Kelly Deyoe's Obituary
Kelly Joseph Deyoe passed away on February 20, 2025. He was born on May 25, 1957 in Palmer, Massachusetts. Kelly is survived by his siblings Gene Deyoe (Laurie), Cheri Whisler, and Tanya Deyoe. Kelly also leaves behind 8 nieces and nephews and 8 great-nieces and great-nephews, and many special friends and family. Kelly was preceded in death by his father Eugene Deyoe Sr, mother Jessie Deyoe, brother James Deyoe, and sister Michelle Deyoe.
Kelly grew up in Massachusetts and upstate New York until his family moved to Arizona in 1960. He spent his youth in southern Arizona, moving frequently until 1968. He even skipped a grade, as the one-room school in Yucca didn't offer his grade level. Eventually, Tucson became his home.
Like most young people, Kelly’s youth was full of adventure. He drove a blue Camaro, affectionately nicknamed the "Blue Streak," and enjoyed rock climbing, riding his dirt bike, and playing pool. However, on August 5, 1977, Kelly’s life took a dramatic turn. He was involved in a construction accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down due to neck injuries. Miraculously, he survived, and for 47 years, he lived by the grace of God.
Throughout it all, Kelly found strength in his faith. God became his anchor, providing comfort in both good times and bad. His spirit was recharged daily by his belief, and he saw each new day as a gift for the rest of his life.
Kelly went on to attend the University of Arizona, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and earned his master’s degree in engineering. He received a fellowship from Georgia Tech to pursue a PhD. Although he completed all his classes and much of his dissertation, he returned to Arizona for health reasons.
In 1999, his sister Michelle donated a kidney, extending his life 26 years.
Despite the challenges he faced, Kelly was dedicated to helping others. He counseled people in similar situations and served as a lay minister at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. He was also in charge of the South District United Methodist Lay Ministries and taught classes throughout southern Arizona. He also had a stint at leading Lay Ministries for the Arizona Conference. Kelly occasionally preached at St. Mark’s, St. John’s United Methodist Church, and other churches, led Bible studies, and volunteered weekly at his church, always giving back to his community.
He loved going to the Arizona Wildcat basketball games and cheering on the team. He had season tickets.
He consistently put the needs of his family before his own and was always there for loved ones, friends, and anyone in need. Whether it was offering advice or giving a stern lecture, he could always be counted on to provide what you needed. He cherished lunch outings with family and friends, and he loved spoiling his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whenever he had the chance. In Tucson, he was the family's rock, and his aides—whom he affectionately called his "girls"—were considered part of the family too.
After a very challenging few months of illness and respiratory struggles, he succumbed to respiratory failure. He died with family and his second family, his “girls”, surrounding him. He has moved on from this life to the next to be with His Lord and is running with his able body now. He is greatly missed. Viewing is at Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 N Oracle Rd., on Thursday, February 27th from 4:30 to 7:30. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 28th at 2:00 pm at St. Mark’s UMC, where he attended, at 1431 West Magee Rd, Tucson Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Interfaith Community Services Tucson.
“Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help you create the fact.” William James
Kelly was given more time to live 67 years on this earth, by the grace of God.
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