Kelly Dezane House (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas—Kelly Dezane House, of Tulia, passed away Thursday, August 24, 2023. He fought the good fight and finished the race at his home on the family farm.

Kelly House was born in Marshall, Texas on February 25, 1960, to A.G. and Ellouise House. He lived most of his childhood years in New Mexico before moving to Tulia, the place he called home. Kelly graduated from Tulia High School in 1978. He moved to Abilene to attend McMurry University where he graduated with a major in Psychology and a minor in Religion. Kelly made and sold unique and creative pottery to pay for the majority of his college.  Kelly married the love of his life, Nancy deLorraine House, on November 13, 1982. They moved to Tulia and Kelly pursued his dream of farming with his dad. He began working for the Natural Resource Conservation Service in 1985 as a civil engineer and worked diligently for 35 years before retiring in 2020. Kelly served the community for many years through the hospital board, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary, organizing the annual town parades, developing Market Square for vendors, and putting flags out for national holidays, among other things.

Kelly was a family-oriented man who cherished his time with loved ones. He loved and was loved by many throughout his life. You’d often see him teeing off on a golf course, flying model planes and trick kites, or fishing somewhere in his spare time. Music was also a big part of his life. He enjoyed an assortment of artists and genres, but among his favorites were the Beach Boys, Ray Stevens, The Eagle radio station, and Christian music. He played the guitar and sang for the youth at church, and he loved to sing “Froggy Went a Courting” and “House of the Rising Sun”. He created wonderful memories with his family and friends, whether it be vacations to Pagosa Springs, hunting trips, four-wheeler outings, skiing on the lake or on a mountain or simply being with others. In his later years, he enjoyed playing with the grandchildren and watching them grow. He was a hardworking man, and he instilled that trait in his children, leading by example. He could fix most things and was the family mechanic when it came to his kids’ bicycles, fishing poles, and cars.

Kelly was raised in a Christian home and attended the Methodist church most of his life. He was baptized in Peralta, New Mexico when he was eleven years old. He was diligent in reading his Bible and sharing his faith with the youth group, children and grandchildren. In 2017 he had the honor of baptizing one of his daughters. He was also involved in the Emmaus community for a time.

Kelly was quick-witted with a great sense of humor that often-caught people off guard, especially when his friends’ vehicles went missing… He had an equally great smile and enjoyed people.

Kelly was preceded in death by his mother, Ellouise House.

Kelly is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy; daughter, Kylee Smith and husband Cheyenne of Roscoe, Texas and their three girls, Ferron, Finley, and Forrest; daughter, Britney McCullough and husband Morgan of Bennett, Colorado, and children, Zora and Brigan; son, Brett House of Tulia, Texas; father, A.G. House; sister, Nancy Scarborough and husband Paul; sister, Shelly Bayless and husband Jim; brother, Curtis House and wife Allison; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 28, at 2:00 p.m., at the Tulia Methodist Church in Tulia, Texas.

“Those who believe in Christ will never say goodbye for the last time. We love you.”

 Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.