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2015 FLORAGRAPH

 JOHN MICHAEL KELLY

Cornea Donor
Age 30 ~ Holden, MO
Donated on 10/7/2006
at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO

Sponsored by In Memory of John Michael Kelly


John Michael Kelly was adored by his family and friends. He was an adventurous outdoorsman who enjoyed climbing mountains and riding four-wheelers and motorcycles. John wanted to see the world and proudly served his country as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan and Iraq. After being honorably discharged, he became a leader in the athletic training program at Missouri State University when he suffered a fatal accident. Loyal and giving, he was also known as someone who would go out of his way to help someone else. John donated his "magic eyes" so that others could see.


John's Story

John Michael Kelly was adored by his parents and two older sisters. As a child, he was always climbing trees and riding his bike. Climbing trees soon became climbing mountains, and bikes turned into four-wheelers and motorcycles. Loyal and giving would describe John as he always enjoyed helping others.

John lived life to the fullest and wanted to see the world. He joined the United States Army at the age of 25, became an Army Ranger, and served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. After being honorably discharged, he enrolled in Missouri State University and was a senior athletic training student working with the MSU's football team. John was known on campus as someone who would go out of his way to help fellow students and the athletes with whom he worked. He became a leader in the Athletic Training program at the time of his fatal accident at age 30.

John was known for his intense, blue-green eyes, which he used to call his "magic eyes" because they would change color depending on his mood or his clothing. On October 7, 2006, John's eyes were once again "magic" as he gave the gift of sight to another person. He gave of himself in life as a son, brother, friend, Army Ranger, student athletic trainer, and in death as a cornea donor. He was a true hero.