National Chaplain Kelley passes away

American Legion National Chaplain Rev. Dr. H. C. “Ted” Kelley passed away April 10. Dr. Kelley was appointed national chaplain of The American Legion on Sept. 3 during the 2015 National Convention in Baltimore.

A Legion member for 55 years, Dr. Kelley was a Department of Pennsylvania chaplain and a member of the Department Religious Emphasis Committee for many years. Kelley served as a chaplain with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea and was a regimental chaplain at the Great Lakes Navy Training Center.

Dr. Kelley is survived by his wife, Linda, two sons and five grandchildren.

“As a Navy chaplain during the Vietnam War, Chaplain Kelley dedicated himself to delivering the message of God and Country around the world,” National Commander Dale Barnett said. “He continued a life of service as a minister in his community and as the national chaplain of The American Legion. The American Legion has lost a true friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Linda, and their family.”

Past National Commander Ronald F. Conley, a fellow Pennsylvania Legionnaire, said that Kelley "always had a smile on his face and always tried to bring joy to people. When he spoke at our Legion meetings ... he wanted people to feel good about themselves."

A military service for Kelley will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pa. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd St., Camp Hill, Pa.

Cards can be sent to Mrs. Linda Kelley, 72 Fairway Dr., Camp Hill, PA 17011. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Camp Hill Presbyterian Church of Camp Hill, Pa.; Market Square Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg, Pa; or The American Legion.

Past National Chaplain Tierian Randy Cash will fulfill Kelley's duties during the Legion's Spring Meetings in Indianapolis and during the 2016 National Convention in Cincinnati.