Donald "Butch" Kelly

Donald R. “Butch” Kelly, age 66 of Carmichaels, Pa. died unexpectedly, Sunday, January 17, 2021 at WHS – Greene Hospital, Waynesburg, Pa.  He was born December 16, 1954 in Waynesburg, a son of the late Donald Lee and Joyce Ann (Wilkins) Kelly.  Butch was a 1972 graduate of Beth Center High School and worked for the former Paletta Ford in Fredericktown, Pa. until 1973.  That same year he started his mining career at Nemacolin Mine until its closure in 1989.  Butch also worked for LaFayette Manor in Uniontown, Pa. in the maintenance department. In 2001 Butch worked for Target Drilling, Inc., for a few years and then got hired at Emerald Mine in 2003.  After the merger with Cumberland Mine, he contained to work until his retirement on January 3, 2020.  Butch was an EMT and Firefighter, having served in both the East Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department and Nemacolin Volunteer Fire Department, where he held many positions.  He developed a love for the game of golf when played in a golf outing for the local union that helped the unemployed miners fund food bank.  Butch really enjoyed playing at Nemacolin Woodlands courses and he could often be seen early in the mornings at Rohanna’s Golf Course “getting in a round.”  He also enjoyed hunting, cleaning and polishing his cars, “tinkering” around the house and was always willing to lend a helping hand or give his “expertise” to neighbors.  Butch was a member of the United Mine Workers of America locals 6290, 2258 and 2300.  On May 15, 1976 he married Barbara K. Hillsman, who survives.

Also surviving is his aunt, Shirley A. Kelly of Fredericktown, their “son and daughter”, Mike and Danielle Hudock, many close friends in the neighborhood and several nieces and nephews.  Deceased in addition to his parents is his only brother Dane Kelly.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2021 in the Yoskovich Funeral Home, Carmichaels, Pa.

Due to current pandemic restrictions, social distancing and face masks will be required inside the funeral home during your brief visit.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice.