Keith Kelley

CHATHAM, Ill. — Shannon "Keith" Kelley, 74, of Chatham passed away at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at Lutheran Towers Hospice in Orlando, Florida.

He was born Feb. 12, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, son of Shannon and Eva Kelley.

Keith graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School and Southeast Missouri State University. He received his master's degree in fine arts from Ohio University.

He moved to New York City, where he met his wife, Rhona Solovay. They married on July 19, 1981, in Manhassett, New York.

Keith was an educator, playwright and poet. He had plays produced in New York City, Los Angeles and Denver, as well as poems published in poetry journals and a book of his poems. He loved to teach others the craft of writing and performing their works at his theater, MidAmerica Playwrights Theatre in Springfield, Illinois. At his retirement, he was teaching English and creative writing at Chatham Glenwood High School.

Keith was an adoring grandpa and a loving husband and father.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Keith is survived by his wife, Rhona; son, Joshua Kelley; grandson, Parker Kelley of Kissimmee, Florida; brother, Tim (wife Sandy) Kelley of Cape Girardeau; two nieces; two great-nephews; and one great-niece.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment at SIU Medicine in Springfield.