Allen Joe Kelly, Sr.

Allen J. Kelly was born on May 19, 1932, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to B.T. and Cornie (Holmes) Kelly. The second of their children, Allen, grew up in north Louisiana and graduated from Byrd High School in 1950. He went on to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering in 1954.

While at LSU, Allen’s life changed in more ways than one. At Baton Rouge First Church of the Nazarene, he was introduced to a gifted and beautiful soloist named Joan Boyd. After graduation, Allen joined the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and completed his officer training in Virginia. Upon finishing his commission and attaining the rank of First Lieutenant, he returned to Baton Rouge to marry Joan on March 23, 1957. Once Joan completed her degree in Music Performance, the couple began building their life together in Bossier City, Louisiana, starting with the home Allen personally designed for their family.

Allen began his architectural career under Thomas Meredith and quickly distinguished himself, becoming an associate and later a partner. He eventually became co-owner of the firm alongside Charles E. Doughty. Kelly and Doughty Architects, Inc. grew into one of the premier architectural firms in Bossier Parish. Allen’s professional legacy can be seen throughout Louisiana and Texas in the many schools, banks, courthouses, churches, hospitals, fire stations, office buildings, prisons, and private residences that bear his thoughtful design and steady hand.

As Allen built his professional practice, he and Joan were also building a family. In the first seven years of their marriage, they welcomed three children: a son, Allen Jr., and two daughters, Celeste and Cathy. Later, they were blessed with another daughter, Erin. Allen Sr. also created the K5 Farm, where the 4-H era began for their family, reflecting his love for hard work, land, and teaching responsibility.

Faith was the cornerstone of Allen’s life. A devoted servant of his Lord and Savior, he and Joan faithfully led the music ministry at their church for more than 30 years. Allen played the organ for worship services, choir performances, solos, and special events. Beyond music, he generously gave his time and leadership in numerous roles within the church community.

Throughout his life, Allen combined discipline, creativity, faith, and devotion to family. His legacy lives on not only in the structures he designed but in the family he raised, the church he served, and the community he helped build.

Allen was preceded in death by his wife, Joan B. Kelly; his son, Allen J. Kelly, Jr.; his father and mother, B. T. Kelly and Cornie Kelly; his brother, B. T. Kelly, Jr., and his sister Jeanine Creech.

He is survived by his daughter, Celeste K. Campbell of Edmond, OK, his daughter Cathy Lindy of Bossier City, LA, his daughter and son-in-law, Erin K. and Chris Allen of Edmond, OK. His grandchildren, Anna Lindy of Oklahoma City, OK, Lauren Lindy and Nate Jenkins of Shreveport, LA, Caden Allen of Edmond, OK, and Colin Allen of Edmond, OK. His sister, June Crane of Longview, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honoring Allen as pallbearers will be Chris Allen, Anna Lindy, Lauren Lindy, Caden Allen, Colin Allen, and Nate Jenkins.