It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Kelly Jay Rowley on April 16, 2026. Kelly was truly one of a kind and will be missed by so many. He was well known for his unmatched wit and was one of the funniest people you could ever know. At the same time, he was the most dedicated father and husband and treasured his family deeply. He had a work ethic like no other and was exceptionally talented in many aspects.

Kelly was born in Imperial, NE in 1968 to Ann and Cecil Rowley. He grew up in Wauneta, NE and had several jobs through his youth, sorting and washing potatoes at Walgrens Grocery and working as a ranch hand to name a few. After high school he went off on harvest crew at the age of 17. He worked for Frenchman Valley Produce and then worked for his brother at Rowley Welding. He later moved to Scottsbluff, NE and began a long successful career of nearly 26 years with Swire Coca Cola. He started at entry level as a merchandiser and worked his way up through the years to Sales Center Manager. His career moved him from Scottsbluff, NE to Chadron, NE, Logan, UT and Grand Junction, CO. He was an inspiring leader and mentored many to promote within the company. Kelly was a true servant leader and was always striving to be the best. Kelly won multiple Sales Center of the Year awards during his career. He was an excellent salesman and could strike a conversation with anyone. He also had a keen sense for numbers and budgeting which contributed to his success.

Kelly met the love of his life Amanda when he moved to Chadron, NE in 2003 when she called to complain about a soda machine at a retail store she was managing. After that initial interaction they ran into each other at a non-work setting and he charmed her into dating him. They were married in Chadron in 2008.

Kelly leaves behind four children; Keltyn, Kadrian, Annaka, and Alli that are the loves and joy of his life, he was the most wonderful husband and family man. He would do anything for his family. Kelly was always so good with children, and you could see the joy in his eyes as he interacted with them.

Kelly was a man of honesty and integrity, and you always knew where you stood with him whether you liked it or not. He was an avid Nebraska sports fan win or lose and was always watching and following the teams. He was a master at the grill and smoker and enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He loved the outdoors and always had a beautiful yard and a prosperous garden which he took great pride in. He had recently been into kayak fishing and collecting lures to one day have as grand of a collection as his father-in-law.

Kelly will always be remembered for his quick wit and orneriness, his work ethic, and his dedication and love for his family. He was so loved and will be forever missed by many; we will honor his memory by telling stories of all the good times and laughs that were shared.

He leaves behind his wife Amanda, sons Keltyn (Camille) and Kadrian; his daughters Annaka and Alli; his brother Jerry (Lori), his nieces Cherie (Craig), Celeste (Shane), Lora (Armando), and Anthony. His in-laws Larry (Twila), Eileen, Heather (Greg) and children, Ty (Teale) and children, Amber (Deon) and children, Regina (Brad).

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents Anna (Ann) and Cecil Rowley, sister Patty Rowley, and his brother Russell Rowley and many more extended family.