Obituary – Thomas Drue Kelly

Thomas Drue Kelly, son of Earl & Nellie (Price) Kelly, was born April 12, 1948, in Creston, Iowa.
After graduating from high school, Tom went to Iowa State University to further his education.
Tom operated Kelly Tire & Exhaust in Redding, Iowa selling Goodyear tires. At one time, Tom was Iowa’s highest selling Goodyear tire retailer.
Tom married Colleen Campbell on August 23, 1986, at the Redding United Methodist Church. Tom and Colleen enjoyed 4-wheeling and going to the river to do some rock hunting. They enjoyed playing cards and working in their flower gardens, dancing to country music. Tom and Colleen traveled all over the world.
Tom was known to like fast cars and drag racing. He was an avid golfer and part of the Jay-Lynn-O group that played nine holes of golf in six different states in one day! Tom loved life and was devoted to his family, friends, and community.
Tom passed away on September 14, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl & Nellie Kelly; sister Cynthia Wolf; daughter Truda DeBord; son Coleman Phillips.
Survivors include his wife Colleen Kelly of Redding, Iowa; several grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; and many, many friends.
Visitation will be held at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., with services beginning at 2 p.m. Casketbearers are Ralph Campbell, Jeff Quick, Dan Quick, Rick Knapp, Mike Combs, and Dr. Dwain Crain. Honorary Pallbearers are Gavin DeBord, Falyn DeBord, Bryn DeBord, Toby Phillips, and Madison Phillips. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided by his family.