Orville A. Kelley

Orville A. Kelley, 84, of Lake Charles died Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 11:15 PM in a lake area hospital.

Mr. Kelley was a native of Bokchito, Oklahoma. He was born on April 17,1928 to the parents of Welch and Myrtis Kelley. He was a 1945 graduate of Nashville High School in Arkansas. After graduating he served in the United States Army. Mr. Kelley has lived in the Lake Charles area since 1973. He was the owner and operator of Swicegood Music Inc. in Lake Charles for over 35 years. Mr.

Kelley was a member of the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA). He was a member of several Bandmasters Associations including; Texas Bandmasters, Louisiana Bandmasters, American Bandmasters, District 5 Bandmasters and was inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame. Mr. Kelley was also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Beta Mu fraternity's.

Mr. Kelley started his career as a band director in Arkadelphia, Arkansas at Henderson University in 1955. He also worked as a band director in Nederland, TX, Texas City, TX, Grand Prairie, TX, Commerce, TX and in Spring, TX before moving to Lake Charles. He was a member of Sale Street Baptist Church. In his spare time he loved teaching music which was his passion in life. He loved serving the people of Southwest Louisiana the only way he knew how, through music.

Mr. Kelley is survived by one son, John Kelley and his wife Suzanne of Lake Charles, LA, three grandchildren, Steven Kelley and his wife Sandy of Walker, LA, Jennifer White and husband Lee of Walker, LA, and Jessica Kelley of Lake Charles, LA, one sister-in law, Susan Cole and her husband Bob of Argyle, TX, and 9 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Vivojean Kelley, his parents Welch and Myrtis Kelley, two sisters Annabelle Crain and Angelina Pelt.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Sale Street Baptist Church. Rev. Randy Edwards will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Monday at 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM in the funeral home. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at 8:30 AM until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lake Charles Community Band 809 Kirby St. Room 104 Lake Charles, LA 70601.