Kelly Arena

Kelly Arena, 90, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

He was born on January 19, 1935, in Beaumont, Texas, to Mary Penna Arena and Joe Arena. A proud lifelong resident of Beaumont, Kelly was known for his skilled hands, warm heart, and love of family.

From an early age, Kelly had a passion for craftsmanship. He majored in woodshop from 7^th grade through high school, earning several outstanding awards. He graduated from South Park High School in 1953 and soon began working in a cabinet shop, honing his lifelong trade.

In 1958, Kelly joined the United States Army. He served both on active duty and in the Army Reserves, with assignments in Colorado, San Antonio, and Germany. Kelly was honorary discharged on December 31, 1963, having served his country with pride and dedication.

In 1962, Kelly began a long and respected career in the lab at Pure Oil Refinery, which later became Unocal. He retired from Unocal in 1996, but his strong work ethic led him back into the lab at Mobil Oil, where he worked until retiring again in 2005.

Beyond his career, Kelly was a talented carpenter who built houses and created beautiful cabinetry throughout his life. His craftmanship left a lasting mark on many homes in the area.

Kelly first married Charline Shankles, and together they had three children, Danny, Kellene, and Kenneth. Later in life, on May 25, 1985, he married Donna Stricklin, and together they shared forty wonderful years of marriage. With Donna, he also gained two more children, Jeff and Dana, and a blended family filled with love.

Kelly and Donna shared a deep bond and a love for travel, often taking memorable trips with friends, family and especially their grandchildren. One of Kelly’s greatest joys was dancing; he and Donna could often be seen dancing together at Mackenzie’s Pub.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Arena; children, Danny Arena and his wife, Laura; Kellene Burnaman and Mario Perello; Ken Arena; Jeff Stricklin and his wife, Molly; and Dana Rogers; grandchildren, Nolan Arena and his wife, Rachael; Shanna May; Adam Burnaman and his wife, Michelle; Candice Radford and her husband, Allen; Brandon Burnaman; Pate Arena and his wife, Morgan; Anthony Stricklin and his wife, Jessica; and Amanda Stricklin; great-grandchildren, Evan Burnaman and his wife, Wendy; Zoe Burnaman; Logan Radford; Landen Radford; Caylee Radford; Elleigh Arena; Tyler Stricklin; Dallas Stricklin; Austin Stricklin; John Anthony Stricklin; Noelle Stricklin; and Norah Stricklin; granddog, Coco Rogers; sister-in-law, Violet Arena; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mary Arena; siblings, Tony Arena, Frances Madaffari, Joe Arena, Josie Serafino, Vincent Arena, Sam Arena, Archie Arena, and three baby brothers.

A gathering of Mr. Arena’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Glady Avenue, Beaumont with his entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.