John is survived by:
His mother and step-father: Cari Kothenbeutel and husband Zachary of Cameron, Oklahoma
Three daughters: Maddie, Alison, and Leanna Kelley all of Spiro, Oklahoma
One son: Alex Kelley of Spiro, Oklahoma
One sister: Jessica Kelley of Homer, Alaska
One brother: Justin Kelley and Anna of Poteau, Oklahoma
One aunt: Alaina Heavin of Halfway, Missouri
Two nieces: Cari Anne Kelley and Riley Grace Greenfield
Three nephews: Mathew Elwood Kelley, James Riley Kelley, and Remington Michael Kelley
Numerous other loved ones and a host of many friends
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Chris and Shelley Kelley; and his maternal great-grandparents, Everett and Mary Kelley.
John was a devoted member of the community and a Clerk at the United States Postal Service in Poteau, Oklahoma. He had a passion for hunting and fishing and was well-known for his playful spirit, often delighting his family, particularly his children, with lighthearted jokes. For John, family was everything; his children brought immense joy and were truly the light of his life. He also cherished moments spent watching movies and listening to Classic Rock music. John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of laughter and love will endure in the hearts of his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Suicide Prevention or to the local Mental Health Resources of your choice.
John’s Celebration of Life service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel in Poteau, Oklahoma with Brother Kane Riggs officiating. Reception will follow in the River Valley Event Center at the funeral home in Poteau, Oklahoma under the direction and care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center of Poteau, Oklahoma.
To view John’s online guestbook, please visit www.dowdenrobertscremationcenter.com.
Get Local News!
