Thomas Jefferson Kelley

Bishop Thomas Jefferson Kelley, 92, of Karns City, a long-time, well-respected church pastor, went to be with the Lord Wednesday afternoon December 24, 2025, while in the company of his loving wife and family at Butler Memorial Hospital. 

Thomas was born in Oil City on February 11, 1933. He was the son of the late Kenneth J. and Muriel Irene Griffen Kelley. 

He was a graduate of Oil City High School and the Bible Training Institute in Cleveland, TN.  Bishop Kelley first pastored for the Church of God of Prophecy, Cleveland, TN for many years serving churches in Rimersburg, Sunnyside, Popular Run in Normalville, Butler, and Huey. Bishop Kelley was later ordained in the Church of God of Cleveland, TN and had been pastoring since 1995 in that denomination in Karns City and Vandergrift, preaching his last sermon on Thanksgiving. Bishop Kelley was a devoted Christian and his ministry centered around preaching the Gospel, and caring for and helping others. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the company of his dog “Buddy”. He was a devoted family man and most especially enjoyed spending time with his grand kids.

Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine Elizabeth Blauser Kelley on September 20, 1971. The couple had been married for more than 20 years. Their children survive: Debra L. Thompson and her husband Ron, and Thomas J. Kelley, all of Six Points, Bess E. Croyle and her husband, Bishop Jay Croyle of Foxburg and Rev. Jeffrey Kelley and his wife, Sue, of West Virginia. 

Bishop Kelley is survived by his second wife, Alma J. Ryan Kelley, whom he married at the Six Points Church of God of Prophecy on November 4, 1972. He is survived by their children: Ryan N. Kelley of Karns City and Julie I. Fichter and husband Brad, and K. Dawn Elmadollar and her husband, Nathan, all of Petrolia, Tiffany L. Yute and her husband, Keith H. of Karns City; 22 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren; three sisters, Katie Moyer of Franklin, Donna L. Kelley and Karen Kelley, both of Oil City and one brother, Kenneth Kelley of Franklin; a special niece, Laura Pierce of Rocky Grove, as well as a number of other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy, and siblings, Nancy Pierce, Daisy Mallery, Elvira Cline, and Gary Kelley.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City, 128 Main St., Karns City from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, and on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. – Noon.  A funeral service will follow from the funeral home at Noon with the Rev. John A. Burdett, pastor of the Monongahela Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee, officiating. The interment will be in Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville. Memorial contributions may be made to The Church of God at Karns City, 105 Jay Lane, Karns City, PA 16041. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.