Published on March 16, 2026 8:37 pm
Last Updated on March 16, 2026 8:37 pm
Rodrick Lea Kelley (Rod), 96, of Effingham, formerly of Olney, IL, passed away on March 14, 2026 in Effingham, IL.
Rod was the son of Mildred and Harry Lea Kelley of Hillsboro, IL. He graduated from Hillsboro High School and went on to complete his Bachelor’s from St. Louis University. While at St. Louis University, he served our country in the Air Force Reserve Officer’s Training Corps. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and spent his entire active duty at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He specialized in Aeromedical Research during the Korean Conflict.
Rod married Sara Ann Homrighausen of Belleville on October 3, 1953, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Belleville. They moved to Olney in 1954, where they resided for 69 years. Rod was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Merck his entire professional career. He was very proud of the relationships he forged and the technology and solutions he provided to medical professionals in Southern Illinois. Rod was a dedicated volunteer fireman in Olney for 69 years, where he was credited with over 2498 emergency calls. He also served as a 4-H club leader for the Modern Workers club. Rod was active in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, volunteering his time and talents in many ways. He was an RCIA coordinator and Eucharistic Minister. After retiring from Merck, Rod taught Basic Operations Firefighter Certification classes for the State of Illinois throughout the Southern part of the state.
Rod is survived by his children: Joe Kelley (Cheryl) of Fairfield Glade, TN; Mary Finley (PB) of Newton, IL; John Kelley (Patty) of Unionville, IN; Patty Beagle of New Harmony, IN; Maura Voyles (Brad) of Watson, IL; and Tom Kelley (Molly) of Philo, IL. Rod and Sara have 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sara, youngest son Jim (fiancée Mindy Henton), one grandchild, and three great-grandchildren.
Rod is perhaps best remembered as being a great Irishman. He was always quick with a joke or a “true” story.
Visitation for friends and family will be held at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Rod at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10 AM. Internment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Olney. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s School Foundation or HSHS Hospice.