Kelly Leon ShafferYates Center, KS

Kelly Leon Shaffer, 58, life-long resident of Yates Center, Kansas, died Thursday night, March 26, 2026, at the scene of a tragic automobile accident just west of Yates Center.

Kelly was born December 30, 1967, at Iola, KS, the son of Leonard L. “Pete” and Beatrice M. (Freeman) Shaffer. He graduated from Yates Center High School in 1987 and attended Neosho Community College for a short time.

On May 25, 1990, he and Katie Ploutz were married. They became the parents of two children, Christina and Joshua. They were divorced in 2003.

On March 7, 2014, Kelly and Marchelle Louise Seybold were married at Miami, OK. Kelly gained three bonus children, Chris, Anthony, and William, who he treated as his own.

Kelly owned and operated his mowing company, Green Acres Lawn Care, for 20 years. He mowed numerous properties in Woodson County and surrounding counties. He was a hard worker and took pride in his work. He had also worked as a farm hand for his brother, Jerry, and for Barney’s Plumbing and Supply.

He served on the Yates Center City Council for eight years and was involved in the Woodson County Historical Society. In his spare time he enjoyed dirt track racing, shooting pool, and fishing. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Ted Cline.

He leaves his wife, Marchelle; his children, Christina Shaffer and Joshua Shaffer of Yates Center, Chris Valencia, New Strawn, KS, Anthony Valencia and William Martinez (Cheyenne) of Yates Center; 3 grandchildren, Peyton Valencia, Aidyn Valencia-Latham, and Tobias Martinez; his siblings, Ron Shaffer (Susie), Bea Cline, Troy Shaffer, Jerry Shaffer (Jeanie), Marla Newman (Don), and Marsha Barney (Don); a number of nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Cremation is planned.

A visitation to celebrate the life of Kelly Shaffer will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Campbell Funeral Home in Yates Center.

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