Cecil "Doc" Kelty

God the King eternal, immortal, and invincible, called Cecil “Doc” Kelty home on Tuesday, January 28th, 2020, after a very brief illness, with little suffering, and surrounded by the family he so loved.  The Lord was the strong-hold and center of his life. In accordance with his beliefs, he taught his family to love the Lord and serve their communities accordingly.

Doc was born in Clarksville, Texas, on November 25, 1925 to Dennis Francis Kelty of Lewis, Kentucky and Winnie Briedon Kelty of Forsyth, Missouri. Doc followed his father and brother, Jimmy, in becoming a veterinarian. It was a profession he loved, as he tended people as well as their animals. Doc was called to DeRidder by his uncle, a dairy farmer who convinced him he was needed here. He quickly learned to love the area, the food, and the people there, and he served them tirelessly for almost 70 years. Cecil was a kind, generous man, often offering his work for free.

His life of service led him to the United States Military, not once, but twice.  Doc served in the United States Navy in World War II, where he trained as a tail gunner.  During the Korean Conflict, Doc used his veterinarian roots in the Unites States Army.  Each year, during Veteran’s Day Mass at his great-grandchildren’s school, he was the only veteran to stand twice to be honored.

Along with his wife of 71 years, Martha Jane, who he lovingly called “Janie,” he raised four children: James and Karen from DeRidder, Bob of the Woodlands, Tx, and Kevin, of Baton Rouge, who preceded Doc in 2014.  Beyond his children, Doc is survived by his daughters-in-law Patricia, Vivian, and Kimberly, grandchildren Matthew, Aimee, Paul, Joseph, Robert, Sara, Megan, Chris, and Emily, and great-grandchildren Elaine, Cameron, Ben, Sean, Chloe, Brady, Atis, and Aoife. Doc is also survived by his brother Dr. James Kelty of Clarksville Tx.  An amazing man, who was a gift to both his family and the community he served, he will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 5:30 PM TO 8:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. A Rosary will be at 6:30 PM.  Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeRidder, LA.  Father Jude Brunnert, M.S. will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, Doc and the family request that donations be made to the St. Joseph’s Religious Education Fund or the Louisiana Lifeline for K-9s.