Van Milton Kelley

Funeral services for Van Kelley, 78, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 4:00pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home. Mr. Kelley passed away on July 9, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas. He was born on March 22, 1947, in Beaumont, Texas to the late Francis and Audrey (Vanover) Kelley.

In Loving Memory of Van Milton Kelley, Sr.
March 22, 1947 ~ July 9, 2025

Van Milton Kelley, Sr., age 78, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Beaumont, Texas, Van spent his formative years in Nacogdoches, where he graduated from Douglas High School. He later attended McNeese University and proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Van built a diverse and fulfilling career across East Texas, but his true calling was in law enforcement. He served faithfully in Smith County, Galveston County, and at Stephen F. Austin State University. Later, he founded Landmark Investigations, where he thrived as a private investigator, forming lifelong friendships that became like family.

Van was a man of many passions—he loved to fish, listen to classic country music, and tell lighthearted jokes that brought joy to those around him. Above all, Van deeply loved his wife of 33 years, Lesa. Their home on Lake Nacogdoches was his sanctuary—a place filled with laughter, love, and open doors. Together, they welcomed family, friends, and even strangers with warmth and hospitality that defined who they were. He also adored his dachshund, Minnie Pearl, and they could usually be found sitting together in his chair. 

In recent years, Van was diagnosed with cancer. Even through his illness, he continued to do what he did best—make people feel seen, appreciated, and loved. He quickly became a favorite among his doctors, nurses, and caretakers, all of whom he treated like lifelong friends. Our family is so grateful for the kindness, care, and compassion these individuals showed him.

Though we are all devastated by his passing, we are also rejoicing—for we know Van has been reunited with his precious daughter, Penny, who was never far from his thoughts. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and the comfort of their reunion brings peace to our hearts.

Van is survived by:

His beloved wife, Lesa Kelley

Sister, Vicki Harrison of Corpus Christi, her husband Bill, and their son Gavin

Son, Van Kelley Jr. of Georgetown, his wife, Gina, and their daughters Rebekah, Amanda, and Chelsey

Daughter, Dona Mosby of Arcadia, her husband, Tracy, and their children, Steven and Jessica

Son, Jeremy Barrow of Baytown, and his daughter Stella

Daughter, Mandy Fortenberry of Lumberton, her husband Evan, and their daughter Shelby

Daughter, Sara Brucia of Nacogdoches, her husband Brandon, and their children Brayden and Bethany

14 great-grandchildren, beloved in-laws, cousins, and dear friends who enriched his life

He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Penelope Laura Kelley, and his parents, Francis and Audrey Flo (Vanover) Kelley.

Van’s legacy is one of service, strength, humor, and unwavering love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to live on in all those who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization close to our hearts.

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