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Mark Kelsey Obituary
KELSEY, Mark Mark Wesley Kelsey, 40, former Washington resident, passed away with eight fellow firefighters during a tragic store fire in Charleston, SC on June 18, 2007. He was born in Davies County to Clarence and Paula (Crane) Kelsey on June 20, 1966. He was a 1985 graduate of Washington High School who excelled in a wrestling state championship in 1984. During his school years he, along with his two brothers, raced go-karts and motorcycles competitively for 11 years. He placed second in the American Motorcycle Association 100 class for the Indiana state championship. The tree also competed in the national championship at Niles, Mich., in 1982 and in Ohio in 1983. He was a member of the Naval ROTC for five years during his junior and senior high school years. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy in August of 1985 and served his country for 12 years. He began basic training in Orlando, Fla., and was then transferred to the Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. He served in the Persian Gulf during the war as a boiler tech. During this time in Bahrain he met and fell in love with Analyn Cabrera, whom he married in December of 1990. They has a son, Paul Anthony Kelsey, born October 8, 1992, in Charleston where Mark was stationed to finish his naval career. During this time in Charleston he worked at the Ashley River Fire Department as a volunteer and served with them a total of 15 ½ years. He was a captain at this department and after finishing his military career he also began a full time fireman career working for the City of Charleston for a total of 12 ½ years. He was an engineer at Station 10 and acting captain. He also had been certified as a state fire investigator specializing in arson investigations. His two greatest passions in life were, first and foremost, being a firefighter and being a avid motorcycle enthusiast. He belonged to the Wolfpack Motorcycle Club in Charleston and enjoyed any spare time on his custom bike. He is survived by his mother, Paula Kelsey of Washington; a son, Paul Kelsey of Charleston; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lee and Patty Kelsey and Tom and Missy Kelsey, all of Washington; grandmother, Ruby Chestnut of Booneville; nieces and nephews, Krista, Kasey, Abby and Sammy Kelsey, all of Washington; and his companion for the last four years, Christina Prevatte. He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Kelsey; grandfathers, Clarence R. Kelsey and Lee Crane; step-grandfather, Raymond Chestnut; grandmother, Beth Crane; and step-grandmother, Martha Kelsey. The funeral will be at 2 PM, Tuesday at Washington High Scholl gymnasium. Burial will be in Sugarland Memory Gardens. Visitation is from 10 AM until time of services Tuesday at the gymnasium. Arrangements are being made through POINDEXTER-HALL AND MCCLURE FUNERAL HOME. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Kelsey
KATHY WEBER
July 5, 2007
I JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW VERY SORRY I AM MARK WAS A REALLY SWEET GUY. HE USED TO COME IN TO OUR STORE ASHLEY MOBIL. AND TALK TO ME.HE WOULD ALWAY'S PARK HIS BIKE UNDER THE CANAPANY WHEN IT WAS RAINING AND TALK TO US. WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH.OUR HEART'S ARE WITH YOU.
Gibbs abd Coaxum Family
July 4, 2007
OUR FAMILY is in mourning with YOUR FAMILY. May God continue to strengthen you.
Debi Williams
June 27, 2007
Oh what a tragedy this has been. I remember the first itme I met "trunk monkey", he told me noone knew his real name was Mark, boy the joke was on me. I instantly liked him. Christine, you will be in my prayers..stay strong sweetie. love ya
Jo Anne Colson Helmuth
June 27, 2007
To the family, loved ones and The City of Charleston Fire Department,
my deepest heartfelt sympathy is
extended to all of you during this tragic and sad difficult time. May
God be with all of you and keep you in his care.
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Laurel Taylor
June 27, 2007
We all will miss you greatly Mark! Stay strong Christine! Mark is always with you. What a hero!
A caring citizen
June 27, 2007
Continue to trust God. May His peace be with each of you.
christine prevatte
June 26, 2007
good bye my darling, i miss you so much. i love you
christine prevatte
June 26, 2007
good bye my darling, my life will never be the same. I love you so much.
Angie Jones
June 26, 2007
Mark you will be greatly missed and Thanks for being a wonderful friend to me as I grew up in South Carolina .
The Addison Family
June 25, 2007
May God's comfort reach to your deepest needs through this sad time.
Shirley
June 25, 2007
We wish to tell you thank you for your wonderful son and family member who gave his life. We live in Charleston but formerly lived in Hutsonville (IL). Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through the services and the days ahead. We will never forget Mark's sacrifice and feel a closeness knowing he is resting in peace "at home". God keep you in His care.
Mike and Sheila Hinson
June 25, 2007
Mark will be missed. I am so sorry that this happened. Always loved running into "Trunkmonkey" and Christine and sharing a drink and funny story (he always had one). If there is anything we can do please let us know.
JEROME&CAROLYN BURNELL
June 25, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Carolyn Watts
June 25, 2007
We did not know Mark personally, but we come from a family of fire fighters. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. There are few words of comfort during a tragic loss as this. The nation mourns with you and Mark's sacrifice will not go unnoticed. He is a true Hero and will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Carolyn Watts & Family
melissa owen
June 25, 2007
To the kelsey family and Christine, I am deeply sorry for your loss, i have known Mark for many years and Christine is my best friend.He was a Great friend and i will miss him dearly. He used to pick on me and called me a shrimp,the funny thing is, he is shorter than i am.He gave me a ride on his bike at Big Decks and that will be the most memorable moment of my life now.Not many people can say they know a real live hero,but i do now,I LOVE YOU MARK, and GOD BLESS the KELSEY FAMILY,CHRISTINE and ALL the wonderful friends he has, who will miss him.
william&leslie bass
June 25, 2007
god bless you all at this sad time.know all of you our in our prayers
Joyce Martell
June 25, 2007
May God strengthen and comfort you during this absolutely tragic time.
Jeanette Stewart
June 25, 2007
The Kelsey Family;
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the loss of your loved one.
Respectfully,
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Stewart & Family
RON AND LINDA PROWELL
June 25, 2007
Dear Kelsey Family: As parents of a firefighter,and having the privilege to meet Mark,we offer our sincere sympathy and prayers. May you obtain peace and love from each other and God above.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ron and Linda Prowell
Terry Hess
June 25, 2007
Dear Kelsey family im truly sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Mark is a great friend and co-worker.Company 9 Charleston Fire Department
Rita Busman
June 25, 2007
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. May this Heroe's memory be a comfort to you.
Ellen Lewin, Patriot Guard Rider
June 25, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mark Kelsey.
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
LAVETTA FLAGG
June 25, 2007
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. I'M KEEPING YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
LAVETTA FLAGG & FAMILY
Ronda Brothers
June 25, 2007
I am sorry for your loss. My hearts and prayers goes out to the family and friends. He is now in Gods hands. I am so proud of him and the rest of the firefighters for what they do, and that is saving people's lives and putting out the fires. God Bless You All.
Jeannette Pierce
June 25, 2007
I did not know your loved one but after all the wonderful things I hve heard it feels like I know him. I thank you for allowing him to serve the citizens of Charleston. He was a true hero to do what he did everyday. May God bless your family always. I will continue to pray for your family.
Laurel Taylor
June 25, 2007
He will be missed so much Christine! We are all here for you and love you very much. Trunk Monkey is truely a hero!!!
Amy Fennell
June 25, 2007
I did not know Mr. Kelsey personally but this event has truly touched my heart and something I will never forget. I wanted to share with you as I rode over the James Island connector the day after, I noticed that the sunset was directly over the area of West Ashley. It was like no other I have seen before. The suns rays were shining down thru the clouds and the way it was doing so appeared to be 9 rays of light.. I wished I had a camera to share with everyone because I truly know in my heart that those rays of light were of 9 heros shining down on all of us. May you find comfort from the memories and beauty in the sunset knowing that they are shining down on you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Candace P. Holmes
June 25, 2007
God Bless your family during this time.
Candace P. Holmes
Linda
June 25, 2007
I am sorry for your loss
Hattie Davis
June 25, 2007
TO THE KELSEY FAMILY
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
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