Danny Ray Kellam

October 10, 1947 – May 21, 2026

Danny Ray Kellam, age 78, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of May 21, 2026. He was born on October 10, 1947, in Dallas, Texas, to Verda and Rev. A.B. Kellam of Clarksville, Texas.

Danny had a deep love for all things western. He cherished the history of the Old West, horses, cattle, and the simple beauty of country living. He could spend hours reading history books, watching western movies, and studying the Bible. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, and he carried his love for God with quiet strength and devotion. Danny’s strong spirit, kind heart, and appreciation for the western way of life will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Danny especially loved the life he built around his home and property. He found peace in working outdoors, tending to his land, spending time by his pond, and riding his tractor for hours. He took great pride in caring for his home. Whether hard at work outside or simply sitting quietly and taking in the beauty around him, his land was one of his favorite places to be.

He also had a love for travel and adventure. Danny enjoyed seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, and traveling the world throughout his life. One of the most meaningful experiences of his later years was being baptized in the Jordan River during a trip to Israel. Yet no matter where his travels took him, home was always where his heart belonged, because home was where his family was. He loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly.

After graduating from high school, Danny briefly attended East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. During his time there, he made the decision to join the United States Navy. He proudly served for several years, including time stationed overseas in Italy. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1972, Danny returned to complete his college education. He graduated from East Texas State University with a master’s degree in science.

Danny began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1973 at Lake O’ the Pines near Jefferson, Texas, where he served as a park ranger. In 1979, he transferred to Wright Patman Lake and continued his work as a park ranger before later being appointed Piney Woods Regional Forester for both Lake O’ the Pines and Wright Patman Lake. In the early 2000s, he transitioned from regional forester to serve as the lake manager at Cooper Lake/Jim Chapman Dam. As he neared retirement, Danny moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he served as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District Forester. After 35 years of dedicated service, he retired and returned to his home and farm in Texarkana, Texas, where he enjoyed the peaceful country life he loved so much.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. A.B. Kellam and Verda Kellam.

He is survived by his three children: Cindee Bowen (and future husband Jeff Ashley), Jeff Kellam (and future wife Shannon Campbell-Davidson), and Brad Phelps (wife Becky Phelps); a loving companion (Jackie Matthews); his two brothers, Mike Kellam and Ronnie Kellam; and his seven beloved grandchildren, Brooke Stewart (husband Seth), Kylie Crouch (husband Brynson), Texlee Kellam, Georgia Phelps, Natalie Phelps, Josh Phelps and Taryn Brown (husband Colton). He is also survived by three great-grandchildren (Walker, Taylin, and Macyn), with one more joyfully expected soon.

A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Chapelwood Funeral Home, with Pastor Tim Montgomery officiating. His remaining cremains will be laid to rest alongside his mother and father at New Haven Cemetery in Clarksville, Texas.

Memorials may be made to the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 244, Clarksville, Texas 75426 or the New Haven Cemetery Association.

Online condolences may be made to the Kellam family at www.texarkanafuneralhome.com

Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.