Earl V. Kelly, 82

Earl V. Kelly, 82, of Coeur d’Alene, died peacefully Jan. 24, 2016, at the Hospice House of North Idaho surrounded by family. Earl was born on Oct. 14, 1933, in Thermopolis, Wyo., to Claude and Margaret (Becker) Kelly. The youngest of five children, Earl grew up in Stevensville, Mont.

Earl enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1956 and retired after 20 years of service. Upon retiring from the Coast Guard, he was a deputy for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department and a Federal Marshall for several years, including two years in the Virgin Islands.

On July 27, 1956, Earl married Celia Kay Fillmore and they had three beautiful daughters, Patty Rhodes, Colleen Ives and Erin DeAtley. That union ended in 1986. In 1993, Earl married Darlene (Sam) Sullivan in Coeur d’Alene. Earl had three stepchildren from this union, Steve Anderson, Stacy Carson and Kristine Gray. At the time of his death Earl is survived by his wife, Sam; his three daughters and their spouses; three stepchildren and their spouses; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother William Kelly and sister Claudia Longbottom.

Earl had been a proud member of the American Legion, the Eagles, the Elks and the VFW. He enjoyed river rafting and RVing with friends and family. Earl and Sam spent a number of winters in Arizona escaping the North Idaho winters. He was a true Seattle Seahawks fan. Earl’s dogs, Dipper and Cuddy, also brought him much joy.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. As per his wishes, the family will have a private memorial in Montana at a later date.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Earl’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.