James H. "Howard" Kelley, 79, of Nebo, Ky. passed away at 7:20 p.m. on Saturday July 2, 2011 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville, Ky.

He was born on March 12, 1932 in Nebo, Ky. to the late Roy A. Kelley and Ethel Mae Kelley. He was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean era. He was the recipient of several medals including the Bronze Battle Star. He was a retired coal miner with Moorman Coal Company and was a member of C.F. Hoffman Masonic Lodge #252 in Nebo. He was also a member of Nebo Christian Church in Nebo.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, W. Carriel Kelley and R. Kenny Kelley.

He is survived by his wife, Nelda Kelley; his daughter, Juanita (Tim) Blanchard of Nebo; his son, Fred Keith Kelley of Nebo; two granddaughters, Melissa (Brad) Law of Manitou, Ky. and Monica Kelley of Ilsley, Ky.; a great-granddaughter, Addison Law of Manitou; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday July 6, 2011 in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville with Bro. James E. Kelley officiating. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville.Military honors will be conducted graveside by 101st Airborne Division Ft. Campbell and Hopkins County Honor Guard. A Masonic service will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday July 5, 2011 in the chapel of the funeral home. Pallbearers will be James E. Kelley, David Kelley, Wayne Kelley, Louis Kelley, Jerry Kelley and Eddie Kelley.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour Wednesday at Harris Funeral Home.