Donald William Kelley July 20, 1939 - March 22, 2025

Donald William Kelley, 85, died on March 22, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Don was born July 20, 1939, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Dorothy Gumaer Kelley and William Kelley. Don attended Tulsa Central High School and earned a B.A. from the University of Tulsa in 1962. Don was happily married to fellow artist and dear friend Maggie Tomshany Kelley for nearly 63 years and their journey together was rich. Don continued his art and education by completing an M.F.A., 1966, at Claremont Graduate School in Pomona, California, followed by post-graduate studies at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. In 1968, Don was awarded a fellowship with the Tamarind Institute in Los Angeles and went on to work there as a master printer for a number of significant national and international artists. Don taught at Santa Ana College in California, moving to Cincinnati to accept an assistant professor teaching position at University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. Don continued to teach printmaking, drawing, and sculpture to students as a full professor until 2010. Upon retirement he was awarded Emeritus status. Don Kelley was a nationally recognized artist with pieces in the permanent collections of major institutions, including: Cincinnati Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. Don had sculptures in progress only two weeks before his death—he continued to share his ideas for artwork and house improvement projects with his family and friends even while hospitalized. Don loved music, especially compositions of his wife and companion Maggie, as well as cooking salmon for frequent gatherings with family and friends at their home, traveling, reading, and playing with their dog Morgan. Don was a lifelong exercise enthusiast, he ran several marathons and competed in many bicycle races. Solving problems perpetually engaged Don, from improving their house for over five decades, to his instrumental role with community activist group NOPE that successfully fought placement and expansion of fly-ash waste pits in Pierce Township. Don is survived by daughters Lydia and Megan, their respective spouses Luke and Andy, and grandchildren Rose, Ezra, Stella, Laszlo, and June. He was preceded in death, by one year and three weeks, by his adored and adoring wife Maggie. 

The family will hold a celebration of life at Don and Maggie’s home, at a future date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to:

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) 

Neighbors Opposed to Pit Expansion (NOPE) 

WavePool

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