Scott Allan Kelly JD ’86

04/23/2021

Scott Allan Kelly JD ’86 passed away at home, surrounded by his wife and children, on January 27, 2021, following a lengthy illness.

Scott was born May 4, 1955, in Albany, Oregon, to Richard and Barbara Kelly. He grew up in Albany, often spending summers on his grandparents’ farm, fishing for salmon on the Willamette River, picking strawberries, and crabbing along the Oregon coast.

While attending Linn Benton Community College, Scott discovered theatre. It was when he accepted an acting position in the University of Minnesota at Mankato’s summer theatre company that he met his future wife, Susan. They married August 16, 1981, and Scott became a parent to Susan’s daughters Amy and Kathryn.

Following the birth of son Caelan, Scott decided to leave theatre for law school, prompting a move to Portland. He interned with the Oregon Attorney General’s office and then went into private practice. Following Susan to Texas A&M University, Scott joined the staff of the university system’s general counsel’s office. He served there for 30 years, becoming the deputy general counsel as well a serving as interim general counsel before retiring in May of 2018.

Scott never lost his love of acting and took on lead roles in several productions even after becoming a successful attorney. It was a special delight when he and Susan were able to take the stage together in a two-person play about a courting couple for the Texas A&M University summer theatre.

Scott is survived by his wife; his five children, Amy, Kathryn, Caelan, Daniel, and Matthew; brother Mark Kelly; and 12 grandchildren.