Colin "Cokey" Rex Kelley

Colin Rex “Cokey” Kelley our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend went home to his Heavenly Father on Friday March 12 at the age of 77 after a courageous 6 year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Funeral Service is 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Newark with burial at Thurmond Fairview Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

Cokey was born on September 8, 1943 to Rex Reuben and Doris Lea “Curry” Kelley in Decatur, Texas.

He met the love of his life, Emma Ruth Taylor, in 1958 while attending Northwest High School.  They were married on June 14, 1963 in Newark, Texas.

Served his country in the US Army during the Viet Nam War and was discharged in 1968 from Fort Hood Texas.

He was a loving and faithful husband, father and grandfather.  A Godly man of integrity, who led by example.  He made a difference in the lives of others every day.

Cokey was a man of many talents. He loved the outdoors especially hunting, golf, scuba diving, water skiing and snow skiing.  An avid pilot, he had an instrument rating and flew his small planes anywhere and everywhere.

Helped establish the Southeast Wise County Community Services and served as President and Treasurer, also served as a Northwest ISD board member.

An entrepreneur, co-founder of K & N Electric, Showcase Homes, Hardroad  Inc. and owner of Pic Inc. He loved nothing more than teaching others the art of water skiing and snow skiing.  Believed there was no reason to take lessons for he could teach them how.  Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends got a taste of his humor when trying to learn to water ski, he told them that they had 3 chances and then he would tie the rope around their neck.  And they always got up on that 3rd try.  Loved his church and fellow members at First Baptist Church where he was a lifelong member and served in many capacities including Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Director, served on numerous committees or wherever God needed him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Rex and Doris Lea Kelley, Grandparents; James Reuben and Stella Mae “Horsman” Kelley, B and Jessie Mae “Paul” Curry.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 57 years Emma Kelley; daughter Christi Kelley; granddaughter Gabrielle House; sisters, Diana Kelley, Donna and husband Garry Hall and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Parking Lot Fund at FBC Newark, Newark Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of your choice.