Kelly Aaron Moore, age 60, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Plano, Texas. He was born on August 24, 1965, in Newark, Ohio, to Donald H. Moore and Wanda Lucas Moore.

Some people leave this world quietly, but not without leaving behind a lasting and beautiful mark. Kelly was one of those rare souls whose presence could change the feeling of a room. To know Kelly was to know genuine kindness, easy conversation, and the kind of warmth that made people feel instantly welcomed. He never met a stranger. Whether he was talking with an old friend or someone he had just met, Kelly had a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and comfortable.

Kelly was truly one of the kindest people in this world. He made friends wherever life took him, not because he tried to impress anyone, but because he cared. He listened. He showed up. He gave freely of himself. He would do anything for the people he loved, and often for people he barely knew. His heart was generous, his spirit was gentle, and his loyalty to family and friends was deep and unwavering.

The people Kelly loved were among his greatest treasures. He carried his family and friends close to his heart, and he loved them with sincerity, humor, tenderness, and devotion. He had a way of making ordinary moments feel meaningful simply by being present in them. A conversation with Kelly could become a memory. A laugh could become a story. A simple act of kindness could become something someone carried with them long after the moment had passed.

Kelly also had a curious and thoughtful mind. He earned a bachelor's degree and carried with him a lifelong love of learning. He enjoyed reading, history, and the stories of the past. He appreciated the richness of people's lives, the meaning found in stories, and the lessons that history can leave behind. He also had a passion for acting and a love for the art of bringing stories to life. Whether he was reading, performing, talking about history, or simply sharing a laugh, Kelly brought sincerity, depth, and heart into everything he did.

He was also a devoted fan of the Cincinnati Reds. His love for the team was a joyful part of who he was, though, depending on the game, perhaps not always joyful in the moment. Like the very best fans, Kelly carried hope, loyalty, and enthusiasm through every season. His love for the Reds became woven into conversations, memories, and the many small details that made him so uniquely himself.

Those who loved Kelly will remember his kindness most of all. They will remember the way he made people feel comfortable. They will remember how easily he connected with others, how naturally he cared, and how generously he gave his time, his attention, and his heart. In a world that often moves too quickly, Kelly reminded people to slow down, to listen, to laugh, and to make others feel like they matter.

Kelly's life was not measured only in years, but in the countless lives he touched. His legacy lives on in every person who felt welcomed by him, every friend who was encouraged by him, every family member who was loved by him, and every story that will continue to be told because he was here.

Kelly is survived by his daughter, Jessica Moore; his sister, Cathy Hammond; his brothers, John Wise and his wife, Kathy, and Donald Moore and his wife, Sarah; his brother-in-law, Michael Schenk; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Moore; his mother, Wanda Lucas Moore; his sister, Mary Schenk; and his brother, James "Jeff" Davis.

A memorial gathering to honor Kelly's life will be held at a later date, with the location and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Licking County Players Theater or the Licking County Library, two places that reflect Kelly's love of storytelling, learning, creativity, and community.

Kelly's kindness was his gift to the world, and it will remain his legacy forever.