Mark S. Kelly, 91, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away Monday November 20, 2017.
Mark S. Kelly, Director of Bands Emeritus served Bowling Green (Ohio) State University as Director of Bands from 1966 to 1994. Following service in the navy in the Pacific during WWII he attended the University of Iowa. Prior to coming to BGSU, Mr. Kelly taught for fifteen years in the Iowa communities of Clarinda and Centerville and one year at the University of Iowa as a Graduate Assistant Director of Bands.
His services as a conductor/clinician were widely sought and the BGSU Symphonic Band, under his direction, appeared regularly on state, regional and national conference stages. He kept track and looked forward to following the lives and careers of the students.
He held membership in many professional music organizations and served as President of both the American Bandmasters Association and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Upon his retirement, the BGSU Board of Trustees, by way of student nomination, voted to name the instrumental rehearsal room, the Mark S. Kelly Instrumental Rehearsal Hall.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank L. Kelly and Lulu E. Graham Kelly and his wife, Helen Kelly. He is survived by daughters Karen Kelly (Van Wert), Martha (Bruce) Jewell, Bowling Green and Barb (Allen) Hayden, Bowling Green. Grand children are Andrew Jewell, Alex Jewell, Stephen Hayden and Kelly Hayden.
A memorial service will be held next summer. Dunn Funeral Home, 408 West Wooster St. in Bowling Green is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Bandmasters Association Foundation, also, through the BGSU advancement fund, the Mark S. Kelly Scholarship, or, the Helen Kelly Service Above Self scholarship.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Kelly family, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
