January 30, 2025

Obituary

Dorman Kenyon "Kenny" Kellis, Jr.

November 18, 1950 - January 29, 2025

Dorman Kenyon “Kenny” Kellis passed into the arms of the Lord on January 29, 2025, where his faith became his sight.  Kenny was born to Dorman and Mary Lois Kellis on November 18, 1950, in Bessemer, AL.

Kenny moved to Bogalusa at a young age and came to call Bogalusa home.  He attended Bogalusa High School and graduated in 1970.  After graduation he entered the military, serving in the Army Reserves.  After his honorable discharge he was employed by the Bogalusa Police Department, achieving the rank of captain.  During his service he received the honor of Officer of the Year in 1997.  He also had the honor of attending the 196th session of the FBI Academy.  Kenny also served as the training officer for the department and was commander of the of the Special Response Team.  

After leaving the Bogalusa Police Department, he served on the Washington Parish Sheriff Department as a detective under Aubrey Jones and Robert “Bobby” Crowe’s administration.  After his “official” retirement he was a delivery driver for Nielsen’s Pharmacy.  

Kenny not only showed his love for this city professionally, he also did civilly by serving on the Bogalusa City Council, serving three terms as Council President.  He also devoted his personal time to his community coaching little league sports.  Kenny loved his players and created bonds that have lasted a lifetime.  

Kenny accepted Christ as his Savior in 1970 and was a loyal servant to God first and foremost.  He was a faithful member of Westside Emmanual Baptist Church where he enjoyed sharing the love and warmth of Jesus Christ serving as a Sunday School Teacher.

Kenny held his family near and dear to his heart.   He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Shantel Kellis, sister and brother-in-law, Gary Don and Nellie Crain, sister-in-law Kathleen Kellis, nephew Shane Kellis, and in laws Tillie and Gayle Blackwell.  

He was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He is survived by a loving and faithful wife of 32 years, Julie Blackwell Kellis, children Sadie & Mike Hamby of Gheens, LA and Shannon & Marty Naquin of Chauvin, LA, Kanenon Kellis, Kody Kellis, Kami Pritchard; his grandchildren: Ashley & Brian Blanchard, Brittney Blalock, Ryan Netto, Michael Erwin, Kagan Hamby, Maelynn Naquin, Kaden Kellis, Madilyn Kellis and Pistol Rose Kellis; as well as great grandchildren: Kinslee Dupre, Sutton Dupre, Kenna Whitney, Bella Thomas, Kendall Eschete, Ireigh Blachard, Haisley Chauvin, Cohen Chauvin, and Pistol Rose Kellis. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, David & Sarah Kellis of Bogalusa, La, his brother Lucky Crockett of Wilton, AL, brothers and sisters-in-law Steve & Rhonda Blackwell of Bush, LA and Clifton & Allison Wheat of Bogalusa, LA in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins

There are also three others that held special places in Kenny’s heart. Celeste Knight Stevens, Julianna Creel, and Quinn Anderson were a part of his life from the moment they were born and made just as much of an impact on his life as he did theirs.         `                             

Kenny will be remembered as a son, brother, husband, daddy, Papa Ken, “Paka Pen”, cousin, father-in-law, brother-in-law, Uncle Ken, Captain, Coach Kenny, an avid BAMA fan, but most of all a Child of God.

Pallbearers: Gary Don Crain, Chad Kellis, Paul Cotton, Jody Hebert, Ronnie Pittman, Jamie Hemphill.  Honorary Pallbearers: Troy Cotton, Ben Keating, Matt Distefano

The services to celebrate Kenny’s life will be held at Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bogalusa, LA.  Visitation on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  and Monday, February 3, 2025, 9:00 a.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m.   Rev. Marcus Rosa will officiate. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements.

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