Reiley (Kyler) Kelsey, 23, died June 28, 2025, unexpectedly at his home in Buhler. He was born on November 14, 2001, in Hutchinson, to Angela Marie Kelsey.
Reiley attended Buhler High School. He held various positions in customer service. Reiley was a truly remarkable person. He loved his model train collection and was fascinated by aircraft of all kinds. He had a huge heart, always ready with a joke or a smile to lift someone’s spirits. Reiley was intelligent, loving, and had a deep connection with his girlfriend in Texas. He was in the process of transitioning and was happier than his family had ever seen him. His love for his family and friends was boundless, and he always made sure that everyone felt cared for and supported. He had several online gaming friends that he never met, but who have said that he has saved their lives numerous times by being there for them and letting them know that they are valuable and loved. They also said that Reiley has pulled them up off the ground and helped them back up again. He touched the hearts and lives of so many people, and his passing has hit his family and friends from all over the world with great loss.
Reiley is survived by: his mom, Angela Kelsey of Buhler; “Dad”, Joe Friars of Vashon, WA; brothers, Cade (girlfriend, Maddy) Friars of Buhler, Conner Friars of Medora; grandma, Sherri Kelsey of Plainville; grandma, Victoria Luby of Licking, MO, grandpa, Mark Friars of Vashon, WA; girlfriend, Chloe of Texas; cousins, Natalie, Haylee, Luke, Levi, JT, Henry, and Dacoda. Two other very close family members who Reiley cared deeply for are his “Aunt” (second cousin) Sarah Kelsey and her husband, Nick McCammon.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa, David Kelsey and uncle, David “D.J.” Kelsey Jr.
A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, July 13th, 2025, at Dillon Nature Center, 3002 E. 30th, Hutchinson, KS, in the Community Room located in the Visitors Center from 2 to 5 p.m. This will be a casual, come and go event for family and friends to gather together to share memories and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to go to the Reiley (Kyler) Kelsey Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Reiley (Kyler) Kelsey Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.
“Thank you for listening to my problems even when you had your own. We love you, Reiley”