Kelly D. Hubbs, age 83 of Clinton, Missouri passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 at the Lincoln Community Care Center, Lincoln, Missouri. Funeral service will be held to honor Kelly's life at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton, Missouri with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial to follow in the Good Hope Cemetery in Coal, Missouri. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Kelly's life. Memorial contributions can be made to the Good Hope Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Kelly was born on October 20, 1940, in Benton County, Missouri, to Elvin Harley Hubbs and Fyrn Loraine Halley Hubbs, who preceded him in death.

Kelly leaves behind his devoted wife of 65 years, Carolyn Hubbs, his cherished daughter Dena Venee Gray, born February 25, 1963, and son-in-law Chris Gray, all of Coal, Missouri. Kelly is also survived by brother-in-law Harry Don Hite and wife Trish of Belton, Mo, sister-in-law Rose Ann Phillips of Lincoln Neb, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. There have also been some very special people that have adopted him as dad and grandpa that we would like to acknowledge. Vanessa and Earl Monteer, Paula Bucy, Freddy, Haley, McKenna (aka peanut), Maverick (aka Little Man) Monteer and Jamie Harrill and Peyton Sloan.

From an early age, Kelly was immersed in the world of, hunting, and fishing, guided by some of the finest mentors in Benton County. His grandfather, John Kelly (JK) Halley, along with his uncles, took him on numerous fox and coon hunts and many fishing excursions. His grandfather, Harley Hubbs, and father, Ebb, imparted to him the knowledge and skills essential for farming and livestock management.

During his high school years, Kelly was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), reflecting his deep passion for agriculture.

Kelly was a dedicated member of Good Hope Baptist Church, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn. They began dating at the age of 14 and were joyfully wed on October 11, 1959, at the First Baptist Church in Clinton, Missouri.

Until his later years, Kelly always had horses and rode them often. He loved to rodeo and roped many times with his partner Bill Peters. Rodeos and roping events were a significant part of his life until health reasons forced him to give up his spurs.

Kelly was a unique individual with a perfectionist personality, mastering many skills throughout his life. He learned how to make gun stocks while employed at Reinhart Fajen Gunstocks Company in Warsaw, MO. He sold and worked on guns, crafted beautiful knives, and made bow blanks out of Osage Orange. Kelly had a remarkable ability to watch someone do something a couple of times and then master it himself, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication.

Kelly's life testament was his love for family and friends. He always wanted to help the underdog and would often pick up hitchhikers to give them a ride, sometimes even bringing them home to stay. He would give you the shirt off his back if needed but was also protective of those he cared about, never hesitating to share his honest opinion, whether good or bad. Though a man of few words, Kelly had a way of giving a look that
conveyed exactly what he was thinking.

Kelly's love for the cowboy way and for many years of fishing we wanted to include a couple of poems for him.

COWBOYS LAST RIDE

Saddle Up, Cowboy. This was truly your life.

Loving the horse, And always loving the ride.

You sat tall in that saddle, And you rode so well.

You were one true Cowboy. This anyone could tell.

Your Cowboy hat, You wore it with pride.

Those Cowboy boots walked many a mile.

Now your life on Earth is over. God has plans for you.

So Saddle Up, Cowboy. This will be a journey for you.

God will lead you up to Heaven, And He will ride at your side.

So once again, Saddle Up, Cowboy. It's time for your final ride.

GONE  FISHING

If someone should ask for me,

Tell 'em heaven is where I'll be.

I've finished all my life's chores,

And now I fish on heaven's shores.

The view is grand and the fishing's great,

But I yearn for you as I wait.

I'll save a spot on the river's bend,

For all those I call family and friend.

But for now, sail out to sea

And make a cast in memory,

To all the good times that you had,

With me- your friend, your grandpa, your dad.

And if the fish no longer bite

Or seem no longer worth the fight,

Because it's me that you are missin',

Don't worry – be glad – I've only gone fishin'.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri.