Otha "Dude" Kelley

The anchored soul, Pastor Otha “Dude” Kelley, the bass-line of worship, the tower of strength in ministry and might, boarded the train to glory on January 21st, 2026 at home surrounded by his beloved family. He preached the word of God until his last breath. Born at home on April 1st, 1944 to Guy Kelley Sr and Mary (Cluke) Kelley, his life fashioned the discipleship of Christ.

Otha, affectionately known as “Dude”, was a man of God with the likeness of David: a man after God’s own heart. A proud lifelong resident of Atchison, he attended Lincoln School and graduated from Atchison High School in 1962. His commitment to growth led him to Benedictine College for two years and later the Atchison Vocational Technical College (Vo-Tech). Known for his athletic abilities and strength, he played basketball at Atchison High School, Benedictine College and the city basketball league. On December 8th, 1963, he was united in holy matrimony with his beloved Anna Snoddy. Together they built a life centered on faith, love for others and family.

He was a hardworking provider, dedicating years of service to Pillsbury, the Atchison Water Plant and Rockwell International, eventually retiring from Braken (formally Rockwell International). However, his service extended beyond work. Dude had a passion for young people. His house was known as a House of Refuge and Hospitality. Young people would receive sanctuary, meals, wisdom and prayer. The bassline of worship, music was the heartbeat of his ministry. He was an amazing bass player and played for Zion Baptist Church and Shiloh Baptist Church choirs. His leadership led him to become a deacon and the Director of the choir at both Zion and Shiloh Baptist Church. He was ordained as a minister in February of 2001, which propelled a spiritual journey of Associate Minister at Second Christian Church and Eureka Baptist Church. Soon after, he became pastor of Eureka Baptist Church and eventually pastor of New Vision Worship Center. Otha “Dude” Kelley truly lived a life of love, unwavering faith, ministry, bass and service.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Anna Kelley; his daughters, Evonne Kelley and Mary Kelley; his grandchildren, Brent, Averie, Bennie and Sierra; his great grandchildren, Isabella, Ariah, Henry, Jayceon, Jaymauri, and Grayson; and his cherished sister, Viola Lewis of Detroit, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Florence Marie; his parents, Guy Kelley Sr. and Mary (Cluke) Kelley; his brothers: William Kelley, James Kelley Sr., Guy Kelley Jr., Michael McNair, Marion Kelley Sr. and George Kelley Sr.; and his sisters: Sylvia Busey, Elnora Garlington, Ethel Downing and Loretta Downing.

Each life he touched remains a strand in family legacy that now echoes in loving memory.

His visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00-7:30 PM at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Homegoing services will be at Shiloh Baptist Church on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery.