Legacy of Zachary Scott Kelley lives on with family and friends

By Don Lowe

While it has now been seven months since 31-year-old Zachary Scott Kelley of Lamar, Missouri, passed away December 13, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, his memory and legacy in this community is as alive and vibrant as ever.

It’s easy to get a sense of how Zach was loved by so many people throughout this close-knit community through a story someone at the Lamar Chamber of Commerce shared recently.

Kim O’Sullivan, who serves as the membership director at the Chamber shared, “We had a young man who passed away in December and his name was Zachary Kelley. His dad (Scott) is the manager at our local movie theater.

“He was beloved by all. I was just talking to a family who owns a business on the square, and they had a fire at their home that destroyed almost everything. The lady said, ‘I needed a Zach Kelley-sized hug yesterday.’ Then she got teary-eyed and said, ‘I miss him every day.’ That is a true man of character.”

When reflecting on Zach’s personality and who this genuine young man was on a day-to-day basis, words in his obituary described him best.

He worked at the Plaza Theatre, and you could always find him there running the concession stand, popping the popcorn, getting your drinks or running the cash register.

Zach collected coins and you could often find him walking the square and going from bank to bank in search of something new for his collection. He was that bright smiling face that would speak to everyone, and his love for his community and family were unmatched.

As for other interests, Zach was a huge Lamar Tigers football fan and loved his Kansas City Chiefs. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lamar.

Zach’s dad, Scott, provided the perfect description of his son in relating, “Zachary never met a stranger. Walking the square, he talked with anyone he would see. He was always checking on friends to see how they were doing.

“He loved helping businesses around the square if they needed change for the day. Dots and Castle Shoes and Cato Connections were a few he visited, as well as the local banks.”

Zach might not be physically amongst his friends and family any longer, but his dad summed up best the legacy of his son: “I think he’s made Lamar a better place to live. He’s missed by so many. The square will never be quite the same.”