Donations for Walt Kelley's Funeral Costs

Hi, my name is Emily, the eldest daughter of Walter Francis Kelley III.

Walt, as he was known to most, died peacefully on February 13, 2024 surrounded by his daughters, fiancee, siblings, and childhood friends. He was incredibly beloved -- he made an impression on everyone he met -- whether you had known him since kindergarten or you'd checked him out at the grocery store.

Walt was born in Los Angeles and raised largely in Agoura Hills, CA. The oldest of 4 kids in an Irish Catholic, working-class family, Walt loves sports, animals, dirt bikes, and his ever expanding friend group. He graduated from Agoura High School and married his high school sweetheart in 1988. They welcomed me in 1989 and my sister in 1991, raising us on Simi Valley. Walt drove a bread truck as a teamster for Pioneer Bakery, while getting his contractors license and working occasionally as a carpenter. He played soccer in the Latino League in LA, as well as adult soccer in Simi Valley for many years.

In 1998, he left his family and friends to give his kids a better life on California's Central Coast. He began working for his distant cousin at Semme's and Co. Builders, building sustainable straw bale homes across SLO County. After getting divorced in 2002, Walt moved 1 mile down the road so that he'd still be heavily involved in his kids lives. Walt was a 26-year resident of the Heritage Ranch community at Lake Nacimiento and was a fixture in his neighborhood and at The Point. He served as my soccer coach for 3 years in Paso AYSO, loved going to the Mid-State Fair, and always tried to make my sister's singing competitions and my athletic and academic pursuits.

Walt was an incredibly hardworking man, doing manual labor for most of his career to insure he could provide for his kids and his loved ones. Before his death, he was making wedding plans with his partner/fiancee of 20 years Susan, and wanted to travel to see some of America's most popular monuments. Walt was a proud American as the son of a Korean War veteran, a dog dad, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and could tell a story like no other.

Because his death was quite sudden and he was a man who tended to live in the moment -- he had no advanced planning and no life insurance. This is why we are asking for any and all donations so that we can give my dad the burial and celebration of life he would want. Monetary donations will go toward his funeral costs and to his wake. If you would like to send flowers, food gifts, or other physical donations, you can send them to:

C/O Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

For Walter Francis Kelley III Funeral - March 1

5600 Lindero Canyon Road

Westlake Village, CA 91362

Thank you to everyone in advance. Our family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of love we have received in this difficult time.