Thomas “Tom” Jess Kelley, 82, a lifelong Harbor resident and former crab fisherman passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen, Washington.
Tom was born on March 5, 1941, to parents Jess Kelley and Hetty (Hasbrouck) Kelley in Aberdeen, Washington. He was raised on the Harbor, living in the cities of Aberdeen and Ocosta, he attended Ocosta High School. Tom was later drafted into the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. Upon his discharge from the military, Tom moved back to Westport and became a crab fisherman. He loved to work and was a workhorse, beginning as a fisherman and ending his long career as a boat owner and operator. Tom later met Mona Tinel, and the 2 eventually married, and purchased their forever home in Westport, Washington. Years down the road, Tom attempted to retire. Only lasting a few weeks, before joining his wife, working as a dump truck driver and operating equipment. He worked over the next 12 years, officially retiring at the age of 70.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother, father, and 2 sisters.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mona, who resides in the family home; children: Jess Kelley, of Olympia, Washington; and Cynthia Kelley, of Westport, Washington; stepchildren: Jonathan (Sherry) land, of Dallas, Texas; and Robert (Michelle) Land, of Centralia, Washington; brothers; John (Carla) Kelley, of Grayland, Washington, and Daniel Kelley, of Grayland, Washington; step grandchildren: Tarah ( James) Land, of Dallas, Texas; and Kendra Land, of Dallas, Texas; as well as step great grandchild, Copeland.
As per Tom’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Kelley, please visit our flower store.
Tom was born on March 5, 1941, to parents Jess Kelley and Hetty (Hasbrouck) Kelley in Aberdeen, Washington. He was raised on the Harbor, living in the cities of Aberdeen and Ocosta, he attended Ocosta High School. Tom was later drafted into the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. Upon his discharge from the military, Tom moved back to Westport and became a crab fisherman. He loved to work and was a workhorse, beginning as a fisherman and ending his long career as a boat owner and operator. Tom later met Mona Tinel, and the 2 eventually married, and purchased their forever home in Westport, Washington. Years down the road, Tom attempted to retire. Only lasting a few weeks, before joining his wife, working as a dump truck driver and operating equipment. He worked over the next 12 years, officially retiring at the age of 70.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother, father, and 2 sisters.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mona, who resides in the family home; children: Jess Kelley, of Olympia, Washington; and Cynthia Kelley, of Westport, Washington; stepchildren: Jonathan (Sherry) land, of Dallas, Texas; and Robert (Michelle) Land, of Centralia, Washington; brothers; John (Carla) Kelley, of Grayland, Washington, and Daniel Kelley, of Grayland, Washington; step grandchildren: Tarah ( James) Land, of Dallas, Texas; and Kendra Land, of Dallas, Texas; as well as step great grandchild, Copeland.
As per Tom’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Kelley, please visit our flower store.
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