Erik Taylor Kelley, son of Billy Kelley and Deena Taylor Kelley of Essex, Missouri, was born on February 24, 1971, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on December 21, 2023, at his residence in Essex, Missouri, at the age of 52 years.

Mr. Kelley was a self-employed landscaper with a passion for life. His interests ranged from literature, music and film to college football and cold drinks on the golf course. He was a patriot that enjoyed the 4th of July and shooting fireworks for his family, as well as visiting our local state parks and waterways. He had a kind heart and ensured his neighbors wanted for nothing.

On November 4, 1989, in Essex, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Sharon Cobb. Mrs. Kelley survives of their home in Essex.

Along with his wife and parents, he is survived by his son, Ryan Taylor Kelley of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; by two brothers, Andy Kelley and wife Crystal of Dexter, Missouri, and Kurt Kelley of Essex, Missouri; by his mother-in-law, Carolyn Cobb; and by other close relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Charles and Merle Taylor; by his paternal grandparents, Norman and Ola Kelley, and by his father-in-law, Decalvis “Dee” Cobb.

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, December 24, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Essex Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hope Lodge, 4207 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.