Born in Wichita, Kansas, Kelly received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University in 1951 and a Bachelor of Laws from Washburn University School of Law in 1953.
[1] On April 14, 1980, Kelly was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Kansas vacated by Judge Wesley E. Brown.
Kelly was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 21, 1980, and received his commission on May 23, 1980.
He served as Chief Judge from 1992 to 1995, assuming senior status on June 6, 1995.
Kelly served in that capacity until his retirement from the bench, on March 15, 1996.