Delno Wayne Kellar

Delno Wayne Kellar was born May 19, 1929, in Cairo, West Virginia, to Forrest Paul and Viola Cunningham Kellar. He passed from this life on March 12, 2024, at his home in Harding Place in Searcy, Arkansas. After graduating from Cairo High School in 1948, Wayne enrolled in Harding College. There he met the love of his life, Alice Ann Hawkins. That initial meeting took place outside the front doors of Pattie Cobb Hall on Harding's campus. The couple married on June 30, 1951, in Alice Ann's home in Waldo, Arkansas. Wayne's education was interrupted by a call to serve his nation and he enlisted in the Air Force. Two days after the wedding, he shipped off to Buttonwood Air Force Base, in Warrington, England. Alice Ann was able to join him there a few months later. The newlyweds spent three years in England, where their strong bond was forged, leading to 72 years of marriage. While in England, the couple welcomed a son, Stephen Paul. After being honorably discharged from service, the couple, along with their newborn son, returned to the States. They made their home in Waldo, living with Alice Ann's mother, Alva Hawkins, and Wayne completed his education at Southern State College, receiving a degree in accounting. During their time in Waldo, Wayne and Alice Ann expanded their family with the birth of a daughter, Kim Elizabeth. A move to Truman, Arkansas, came next, but their time there was brief. Having developed a strong relationship with mentors Jim and Oral Cone during their time at Harding, Wayne took Jim's advice to move to Searcy, where he took a job as purchasing agent and later personnel director of the Clary Corporation, a company that manufactured cash registers and adding machines. The company changed ownership a few times over the years and eventually became Remington Rand. Wayne worked there from 1958 until 1973. Their 3rd child, MaryAnn, was born at the Hawkins Clinic after their move to Searcy. In the early 1970's the Searcy Medical Center was opened and Wayne was asked to come on as Medical Group Manager. He served in this role for twenty years, retiring in 1993. Always the accountant, Wayne still kept a spreadsheet of his expenses, keeping it up to date right up until his death. Wayne loved the outdoors, having grown up hunting, fishing and camping in the "Hollers" of West Virginia. In Arkansas, the family enjoyed many wonderful hours of camping, swimming, boating and skiing on Greers Ferry Lake, in Heber Springs, along with a group of dear family friends. His love of sports led to helping start the Bison Booster Club and he worked tirelessly to raise funds to support sports programs at Harding. Wayne and Alice Ann, together, have always been known for their hospitality. Throughout the years they opened their home to students, social clubs and sports teams. They hosted Bible studies, shared meals, and offered advice. Their home became a safe haven for many generations of college students throughout the years. Their practice of true hospitality has served as an inspiration to many who have emulated them in their lives. Having grown up in the Cairo Church of Christ, Wayne was a faithful Christian throughout his life. He and Alice Ann were founding members of the West Side Church of Christ, and dedicated themselves to nurturing and growing the congregation. He later served for twenty years as an Elder for the College Church of Christ. During this time, he and Alice Ann worked closely with the New Marrieds class, offering encouragement and parenting advice. They continued with the group even as the members raised their own families. A favorite project during his time with the College Church was the founding of His House. Wayne volunteered for many years, driving for the food pickup, overseeing clothing donations and counseling patrons. He and Alice Ann also shared their hearts for service with the African Christian Hospital Foundation and The Sunshine School, among others. Wayne was Papaw to his seven grandchildren. He was known to tell each one that he or she was his favorite. And they all loved when he would give them a big hug and say, "Oopie Day!" Wayne is survived by his wife, Alice Ann, whom he called Sam in family settings, along with his three children; Stephen (Beverly) Kellar of Fort Worth, Texas, Kim (Tim) Vick, of Little Rock, and Mary Ann (David) Presley, of Harrison. Surviving grandchildren Molly (Andy) Olsen, Janie-Ann (Marco) Orozco, Craig (Carrie) Vick, Kelsey (Jimmy) Sisk, Caroline (Ben) Beggs, Kyle (Autumn) Presley and Seth Presley. Great grandchildren are Jack and Lucy Vick, Myles, Maddex, Kellar and Eisley Presley, Kate and Louise Presley, James and Samuel Sisk, and Charlie-Jane Orozco. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Viola Kellar, and one brother, Donald Paul Kellar. A “Celebration Of A Life Well Lived” will take place Saturday April 6th, 10:00am hosted by the College Church Of Christ, 712 East Race Street, Searcy, Arkansas. Family visitation will take place from 11:00-12:00 following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made in Wayne's memory to the Sunshine School, 901 Airport Loop, Searcy, or His House, in care of the College Church of Christ, 712 E. Race, Ave, Searcy. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy, Arkansas.

Delno Wayne Kellar

May 19, 1929 - March 12, 2024