CODY, Kelsey Doyle - b. October 12, 1923 - d. November 24, 2025

[patyrn]

Kelsey Doyle Cody, age 102, passed away on November 24, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born on a farm near Cedar Vale, Kansas on October 12, 1923.  When he was 14 years old, his mother, stepfather Asa Shehan, and stepsister, Wanda, moved from a farm close to Strother Field at Arkansas City, Kansas to a farm north of Longton, Kansas. Kelsey graduated from Longton High in 1941 and went into farming with his stepfather.  In 1942, he pioneered in bringing the first black angus cattle to Elk County.

On January 7, 1948, he was united in marriage to Muriel Jontra of Howard, Kansas.  To this union, a daughter, Kristin Linnae, and a son, Ken Lee, were born.  In the fall of 1948, after much studying and talking with his wife, Muriel, they purchased 50 pounds of Kentucky Fescue at a dollar a pound.  It came by mail, pioneering the first fescue in Elk County.  He was also one of the first to go to big round bales and to disc mowers.

Kelsey was an avid worker with farming, hogs, and cattle until he gave up farming and took care of his cattle. In his younger days, he liked to calf rope at weekend rodeos.  He even roped a buffalo calf at the Buffalo Ranch Rodeo hear Sedan, Kansas and won the event.  One of his favorite hobbies was welding.  He made lots of useful items being used on the ranch.  His biggest joy was watching his granddaughter play softball.

Kelsey served several years on the Elk County Soil Conservation Board and Rural Water District Board when it was just getting started.  He also served on the Busby Upola cemetery board for many years.  He and Muriel received numerous awards for soil conservation, received the Banker's Award and the Goodyear Award, and in 1977, the very prestigious award of Master Farmer's and Homemaker of the Year.  Only six were given out each year.

Kelsey leaves in passing his daughter, Linnae Cody, and son, Ken Cody, both of Longton, Kansas; a daughter-in-law, Mona; granddaughter, Kendra (Blayne) Murphy of Columbia, Missouri; great-granddaughter, Kensley Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Muriel; his brothers, Floyd and Emery; and his stepsisters, Janis Diamond and Wanda Young.  He had many good neighbors.  He will be missed by family and all those that knew him.

Funeral services were held on December 4, 20225 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Memorials have been suggested to the Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left with www.countrysidefh.com.  Services were under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website_