Dennis Kelty

Dennis O. Kelty, 62, of Stillwater passed from this life unexpectedly on February 10, 2014 at his home. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and a service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel in Stillwater.
Dennis was born on June 21, 1951 in Stillwater, OK to Jack G and Mildred Marie [Sandy] Kelty. He grew up and attended schools in Stillwater, graduating with the Class of 1969. After graduation, Dennis joined the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Coral Sea as a Machinist Mate 3 during the Vietnam War.
Dennis was honorably discharged and returned to Stillwater in 1972 to begin working with his father at the family business, B&L Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. During this time his married his first wife, Bonnie, and had two wonderful children, Kyle and Kristi. In 1979, Dennis purchased the company from his father and over the next 27 years he grew the business from three employees doing small residential jobs to more than 12 employees who did major local projects like Kicker, Mercury Marine, Christian Villa, and Stillwater National Bank. In 2006, Dennis retired from B&L and spent several years working for the OK Dept. of Tourism as an inspector of state park facilities.
After his time working for the state, Dennis spent the majority of his time riding his Harley on poker runs and spending time with his wife Marie. Dennis enjoyed smoking ribs and salmon and he could spend hours playing computer games. Cars were a big part of Denniss life. He rebuilt and restored a 29 Ford and a 39 Buick and he always had to have the newest model truck or SUV on the market. Dennis was also a member of the Stillwater and National Harley Owners Groups, the Timers Street Rod Club, and he was a 2 time Exalted Ruler of the Stillwater Elks Lodge.
Dennis may have been stubborn and hard headed, but he was a good man. Those who got past his tough and guarded exterior found him to be a kind and loving man who would do anything for a friend. He was a proud father who loved his kids and adored his grandchildren.
Dennis was preceded in death by: his parents Jack and Marie Kelty, a sister Diana Kelty and an infant brother Kenneth Kelty. He is survived by wife Marie [Antene] Kelty of the home. Two Children: Kyle D. Kelty and wife Nikole Kelty of Stillwater and Kristi Bumpas of Luther, OK. Three grandchildren: Kynzi Kelty, Bailey Bumpas, and Camryn Bumpas.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Dennis name to the Elks Lodge No. 1859 202 E. McElroy, Stillwater, OK 74075
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com