Kelly Lynn Rudolph

February 24, 1947 - December 07, 2023

Kelly Lynn Rudolph, 76, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2023 with his dog Bailey at his side. Kelly was born February 24, 1947 in Smith County Kansas. He was the seventh child of eight children born to Floyd Vesper and Freda Frances (Lehman) Rudolph. Kelly grew up in Smith County on a farm near Bellaire and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1965. Throughout high school he loved playing football, basketball and baseball. 

After high school, Kelly attended Kansas Wesleyan University. While studying at Kansas Wesleyan, he lived in the faculty quarters at St John Military school where he assisted with students. He played baseball for the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes and was selected for the KCAC team in 1967. He was inducted into the Kansas Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame for Baseball in 2006. Kelly graduated with a teaching degree and moved to Grainfield KS for his first teaching position. After a couple years, he returned to Salina and St. John’s Military School which began his long teaching career shaping the lives of the boys at SJMS. He taught  History, Social Studies,PE/Health for 42 years. He was most remembered as “Coach” for the football team.  Kelly completed a Master’s degree at Ft Hays State University in 1979. In 1999, Kelly was commissioned as an Honorary Colonel by St John’s.  He retired in May 2009. 

Kelly was an avid outdoorsman. Being outdoors was his favorite place to be, especially when fishing or hunting with his brothers or great friends from St John’s. He was a member of the Pioneer Lake Association in Salina. He continued being involved with sports including bowling and golf throughout his life. He also followed his favorite teams every season and never missed watching Kansas City Royals, K State Wildcats, and Kansas City Chiefs on TV. Kelly was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 62. He married Connie Olson 1998 and they were often at the Legion together. 

Those left to remember Kelly include his sister Colleen Ryan of Smith Center, Sisters-in-law Shirley Rudolph of Mankato and Pam Rudolph of Troy Il; plus many nieces and nephews, long time friends and former students. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his brothers, Jerome Rudolph, Billy Rudolph, Larry Rudolph, and JR Rudolph; sisters, Phyllis Bargman and Donna Rudolph; brothers-in-law, Bill Ryan and Fred Bargman; sisters-in-law, Leeta Rudolph and Willa Rudolph.

A celebration of life is planned January 20, 2024 at 3pm at The Blind Pig in Salina Ks. There will be a graveside service later in the spring at the Leasburg cemetery in Smith County.