Kelsey Doyle CodyLongton, KS

Kelsey Doyle Cody age 102, born October 12, 1923, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on a farm near Cedarvale, KS,. When he was 14 years old his mother, stepfather, Asa Shehan and Ste sister, Wanda, moved from a farm close to Strother Field at Arkansas City, KS, to farm north of Longton, KS.

Kelsey graduated from Longton High School in the spring of 1941 and went into farming with stepfather. In 1942, he pioneered in bringing the first black angus cattle to Elk County. On January 7th, 1948, he was united in marriage to Muriel Jontra of Howard, KS. To this union a daughter, Kristin Linnae, and a son Ken Lee were born.

In the fall of 1948, after much studying and talking with his wife, Muriel, they purchased 50 pounds of Kentucky Fescue at a dollar a pound. It came by mail, pioneering the first fescue in Elk Co., and also one of the first to go to big round bails, and to disc mowers.

Kelsey was an avid worker with farming, hogs, and cattle, until he gave up farming and took care of his cattle.

In his younger days he liked to calf rope at weekend rodeos. He even roped a buffalo calf at the Buffalo Ranch Rodeo near Sedan, KS, and won the event! One of his favorite hobbies was welding. He made lots of useful items being used on the ranch.

His biggest joy was watching his granddaughter play softball.

He served several years on the Elk County Soil Conservation Board and Rural Water District Board when it was just getting started. He also served on the Busby Upola cemetery board for many years.
He and Muriel received numerous awards for soil conservation, received the Banker’s Award, and the Goodyear Award, and in 1977, a very prestigious award of Master Farmer’s and Homemaker of the year. Only six were given out each year.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Muriel, brothers Floyd and Emery, and stepsisters Janis Diamond and Wanda Young. He leaves in passing daughter Linnae Cody of Longton and son Ken of Longton. A daughter-in-law Mona, and granddaughter, Kendra Murphy and husband, Blayne Murphy of Columbia, MO., and great granddaughter Kensley Murphy, and many nieces and nephews. He had many good neighbors. He will be missed by family and all those that knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 2:30 pm at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service time. Memorials have been suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left with www.countrysidefh.com Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349