SEARSPORT — Rexford Irving Kelley, 75, passed peacefully at home on October 25, 2023 with his wife and daughters by his side. He was born on January 14, 1948 in Ellsworth to Walter, Sr. and Frances (Closson) Kelley. 

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dr. Karen L.M. Kelley, of Searsport; daughter Jennifer “Jiffy” Kelley-Young and husband Scott of Sebago, daughter Robin Kelley and partner Lucas Hilbert of Tacoma, Washington; and two grand puppies, Sam & Elliot of Sebago. 

He is also survived by his sisters Marilyn Blaisdell of Milford, and Jill Banks of Hancock; brothers Jack Kelley & partner Marti Flint of Ellsworth, and Twin Richard Kelley and partner Dorothy Epstein of Jacksonville, North Carolina; sister-in-law Lucy Kelley from Seal Cove, Maine, brothers-in-law Christopher Murphy and wife, Donne Sinderson, of Orrington, Timothy Murphy and wife, Linda, of Georgetown, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rex was predeceased by brothers Walter Kelley Jr., and David Kelley and wife Joyce.

Rex graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1966, proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1967, served in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1971. He joined the Maine State Police in 1973, became a detective and made corporal in 1985. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1987, and earned the rank of Lieutenant in 1988; retiring in 1993.

He was a member of the American Legion Jerry Dobbins Post #157 in Sandy Point, and a Mason with the Mariners Lodge #68 in Searsport. Rex also enjoyed being an active member of the First Congregational Church of Searsport, and the Searsport “Hysterical” Society, as he referred to it.

Rex’s hobbies included flying remote control airplanes with his “Red Neck Aviation” friends, sailing, golfing, skiing, and bicycling. In 2003, he enjoyed the trip of a life-time when he and Karen cycled across the country, and followed it up in 2005 with a trip along the East Coast from Florida to Maine.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held Saturday, November 11, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church in Searsport. He will be laid to rest in the Elmwood Cemetery in Searsport. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rex’s memory to the Searsport First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 261, Searsport, 04974 or to the Searsport Historical Society, P.O. Box 28, Searsport, 04974.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.