Blaine "David" Kelley passed away at home in the arms of his loving wife on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his father, Hayes Kelley, Sr. Married for 31 years, he is survived by his beloved wife Cathie (nee Paroz) Kelley, mother Jane (nee Stein) Kelley, brother Hayes Jr. (Mitzi & Nephew Quinn) Kelley, and sons Jeffrey (Kenzie) Henderson and Joshua (Stephanie) Henderson. Blaine was the proud and devoted "Papi" of grandchildren Elena, Adah, Micah, Jaxon, and his newest grandchild due in September, as well as an abundance of loving siblings, nieces, and nephews on both sides of the family.

Blaine had many passions and interests, but he prioritized a few. First was his love of God. Blaine understood his identity in the Lord--how much he himself was valued and loved--and he shared that love with anyone he connected with. You could feel it when you talked to him about his life or when he prayed with you about yours. Second was his love for his bride. He never stopped treating her like the fabulous prize he'd won when she'd said, "Yes," 32 years before. He loved her generously and completely, always seeking her out to be with her, to serve her, and to share discoveries of their mutual faith together. His Third priority was his children and grandchildren although, in the moment, Blaine's priority was always the person standing in front of him. Nothing filled his cup so much as having his growing family gathered around him -- to laugh and be silly with, to enjoy good things with, to pray with, to ponder and to dream with.

Blaine's interests and passion were numerous. For decades, his passion for music (primarily playing trumpet) led him to participate in church bands on stage and to form jazz ensembles which performed locally for many years. He really loved Swiss Watches, fine bourbons, cars, and riding his Suzuki Burgman Scooter. But you cannot tell the story of Blaine without including the fact that he was an evangelist at heart. He ministered to people on the street, brought Bibles to and ministered at the Hamilton County Justice Center (jail ministry), prayed in the homes of neighbors and strangers who asked, and mentored hundreds of people in his lifetime. He also ministered in music, both as his refuge from the world and as his love language to God. He was surely greeted with trumpets as he entered the Heavenly realm.

A 1980 graduate of Turpin High School in Anderson Twp., he graduated in 1984 from Eastern Kentucky University with a BA in Music Merchandising. Blaine spent ten years at Baldwin Piano Co., five years in IT Recruiting at Data Bank, and had only recently retired from 25 yrs. at UC Clermont as the Associate Director of Admissions. He particularly loved his last job because of his ability to interact with and encourage so many students.

Blaine was truly one-of-a-kind. His patience, kindness, service to others, and genuine love for humanity are models worthy of following. We are blessed to have known him and to have benefited from his example. He will be greatly missed!

Visitation and Celebration of Life:

Public: Saturday, April 19, 2025; 9:00-9:30am with a Celebration Service to follow at All Church, 200 E. Business Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241. Coffee, tea and family cookies will be served after the Celebration.

NOTE: Cathie requests that attendees wear a celebration of colors in lieu of black.

She graciously adds that in lieu of cut flowers, she is requesting Spring Bulb plants so that she can plant a large garden that returns every year.