Francis Dale Kelley

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Francis “Dale” Kelley—known affectionately as “Papaw” to his loved ones—on August 24, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family, friends, and community.

Dale will be missed by his beloved wife, Rona Kelley, and his children: Stefan Kelley (married to Robin Kelley), Shannon Jarek, Joshua Kelley (married to Rebecca Kelley), Crystal Evangelista (married to Charles Evangelista), and his faithful companion, Tinkerbell.

He is cherished by his grandchildren: Ryan Kelley (married to Autumn Kelley), Rick Kelley, Cathrine Rouse (married to Nicholas Rouse), Isabelle Jarek, Timothy “TJ” Jarek, Alayna Umber, Emma Kelley, Addison “B” Kelley, Aaron Dale Kelley, Anthony Evangelista, and Juliana “Jules” Evangelista; and his great-grandchildren: Wyatt Kelley, Rosemary Kelley, and Lyla Rouse.

Dale is also survived by his cousin, Terry Ping, whom he loved like a brother, and his wife, Kate Ping. He was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Detmer, his father Francis Kelley, his mother Opal Hopper, and Ray & Wilma Ping, who lovingly raised him.

Born on March 2, 1942, in Harlan County, Kentucky, Dale spent his teenage years in Milan, Indiana, home to the 1954 Milan High School State Champions, before proudly enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18. He served for five and a half years and was honorably discharged from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

After his service, Dale moved to Montgomery County, where he worked for C&P Telephone before beginning a 14-year career with Xerox Corporation. It was during this time, while both working at Xerox in 1976, that Dale met the love of his life, Rona. The two were married in 1977, beginning a 48-year journey together.

In 1978, Dale and Rona embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure, founding Magic Broom Chimney Sweeps, which later grew into Tri-County Hearth and Patio Center. For the next 45 years, Dale, Rona, and their son Joshua worked side by side, serving their community until their retirement in October 2023.

Dale had a lifelong passion for cars, collecting everything from street rods to classics and sports cars. Just last month, he proudly completed a three-day high-performance driving course at Mid-Ohio racetrack, mastering the track in his C8 Corvette—all with just one arm, hitting a top speed of 138mph.

He and Rona shared a love for adventure, traveling more than 300,000 miles across the United States and Canada in their motorhomes. Dale also gave back to his community through his service with the Waldorf Lions Club for over a decade.

Those who knew Dale will remember his warm heart, quick wit, and endless stories. He had a way of making everyone laugh and feel at home, and his generosity touched countless lives. His greatest pride, however, was his family—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry his spirit forward.

Family and friends are invited to gather in Dale’s honor for the visitation on August 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at:

Arehart-Echols Funeral Home

211 St. Mary’s Ave.

La Plata, MD 20646

Following the visitation, there will be a Eulogy given at 2:00 pm.

We invite you to join us for a repast at Prime Street Grill in White Plains, MD, following the services.

Dale’s interment will take place at a later date at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dale’s memory to:

·       K9s For Warriors – https://k9sforwarriors.org/

·       Fisher House Foundation – https://www.fisherhouse.org/

These organizations were chosen in honor of Dale’s service, his love for veterans, and his devotion to his dog, Tinkerbell.

“We will miss his quick wit and comedic ability to have an endless repertoire of stories and jokes… some that we heard more than once.”- Jim Cunha

Online condolences may be shared with the family at arehartechols.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis Dale Kelley, please visit our floral store.