Kelly Hemperley

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(From Clark Funeral Home)

Kelly Eugene Hemperley, 75, passed away on February 28, 2026, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Kelly was born on January 12, 1951, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Charles Hemperley and Ruby Gay. He was raised in Big Cabin, Oklahoma, and graduated from Adair High School. He continued his education at Northeastern State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Psychology.

On February 14, 2004, Kelly married his dear wife Jessica Cartwright in Nevada, Missouri. She survives him. 

Kelly served as a teacher in McDonald County until his retirement in 2011.

In 1998, Kelly relocated from Chouteau, Oklahoma, to Southwest Missouri, where he continued to enjoy a life filled with family, hobbies, and the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting along with woodworking, archery, reloading, and reading. Kelly was also known for his sharp wit and good sense of humor.

In addition to his wife, Jessica, Kelly is survived by his son, Michael Hemperley of Joplin, Missouri; his daughter, Melanie (Levi) Robertson of Miami, Oklahoma; his stepdaughter, Mendy Russo of Wentworth, Missouri; his grandchildren, Mikayla, Raegan, Mackenzie, Joseph, Michael, Elizabeth, Toby, and Luke; and his sister, Karen Surine of Chouteau, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Hemperley and Ruby Gay.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. Contributions may be made to Special Olympics, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, Missouri 64850.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.