Chief Master Sergeant Paul K. "Kelly" Fackler, USAF (Retired), 76, of Lynn Haven, Florida, died on January 3, 2024 in Panama City, Florida.

Kelly, was born March 15, 1947 in Webster, Kentucky to Paul R. and Mary R. Knott Fackler.

Kelly grew up enjoying the outdoors and helping work the family farm.  As the oldest of six children, he helped his parents keep an eye on everyone.  He was a great big brother.  When he had free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, eventually passing along his favorite beagle hound to his youngest brother, Jerry, when he went off to college.

Kelly enrolled, but didn't get to stay long, at the University of Kentucky, but later completed his degree at Park College. He enlisted in the USAF on February 17, 1967 and served until February 1, 1996.  In 1967, he also met Patty Staples, the love of his life.  They married in 1969 and together made a life as they moved across the world and around the US with daughters Casandra and Jennifer.

Over his 29-year career in the USAF he gave a lot to his country, serving in Vietnam and supporting Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He mentored many and achieved much, receiving many awards and accommodations including Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters.  Soon after leaving the USAF, he went back to work as a defense contractor, finally retiring again in 2013.  During his free time he enjoyed working in his yard, fishing, reading and golfing.

Kelly achieved a lot in his life, but to his family the most important things about him were that he was kind, loving, patient, funny, thoughtful, and always there for them.  He proudly served his country before people made thanking service-members a common practice.  He was a girl-dad before that was a thing, always taking pride in their accomplishments.

Kelly was a loving husband and will forever be missed by Patty.  His daughters Casandra (Ryan) and Jennifer (Tom) are forever grateful for the love and patience he showed them, and the grit and tenacity he instilled in them.  His grandson, Keagan, will truly miss him and their talks about fishing and welding.  Kelly is also survived by sisters, Susan and Tracy and brother, Jerry, and many nieces and nephew. He is preceded in death by his father and mother and brothers Gary and Donnie.

On Monday, January 8, between 3-5 pm a visitation will be held in Panama City, Florida, at Wilson Funeral Home. On January 15, 2024 at Hager Funeral Home, Brandenburg, Kentucky, visitation will began at 1 pm followed by the funeral at 2 pm.