Kelly Autry

Kelly Lee Autry, 71, of Odessa went to be with his Savior on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

Visitation Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Odessa with Reverend Tommy Culwell officiating.

Kelly was born May 29, 1951, to Betty Joyce and James Harold Autry in Lubbock, Texas. After spending his childhood in Dimmitt, the family moved to Rocky Ford, Colorado where he graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1969. He then returned to Texas where he attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, graduating with his degree in Journalism in 1973. He went on to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Master's degree in Religious Education in 1976.

On July 22, 1978, he married Deborah Boomer at Caps Baptist Church in Abilene. The couple celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in July of 2020. While living in Abilene, Kelly worked as the Sports Information Director at Hardin-Simmons University until they relocated in 1982. Kelly & Debbie worked together for most of their married lives. From 1982-2005, they operated the Autry Family Ranch in Crowley County, CO. From 2006-2011, they were the management team of the Pueblo Regent Retirement Community in Pueblo, CO. In 2011, they moved to the Odessa/Midland area to be near two of their children and managed Airline Mobile Home Park in Midland from 2012-2021.

Kelly loved spending time with his family & friends, especially his two granddaughters. He was an accomplished grill master and enjoyed being able to show off his skills. Kelly was an avid sports fan, whether it was on tv or following his kids' teams around Southern Colorado, he was always there. He also enjoyed doing landscaping & gardening.

Kelly is survived by his son, Trenton Autry (Melissa) of Odessa; daughter, Kimbra Autry of Odessa; daughter, Whitney Autry Carruth (Steve) of Seattle WA; granddaughters, Zoe Autry of Bryson, TX and Morgan Autry of San Angelo.

Also surviving is his mother, Joyce Autry of Omaha, NE; sister, Lynette Autry Soden (Steve) of Omaha, NE; sister, Luanne Autry Gallegos (Greg) of Arvada, CO; sister-in-law, Joan Boomer Jones (David) of Abilene; and sister-in-law, Claire Boomer of Oklahoma City Ok.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Boomer Autry; his father, James Autry; his father and mother-in-law, Eva and Earl Boomer; and brother-in-law, Dennis Keith Boomer.