Kelly “KK” Shi Donham, of Maysville, was born January 14, 1961, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Jim Shi Donham and Mary Sue (Jones) Donham. He passed from this life Thursday, October 2, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 64 years. Kelly, known as “KK” to most, and “Catfish” to a special few, lived his whole life in the Story area and was a 1979 Maysville High School graduate. He worked his early years as a self-employed welder and later took over the family farm. His passion for and knowledge of farming and equipment was unmatched; he was once featured in the local paper as one of the youngest and best combine operators. He was also a master mechanic and could fix anything. This devotion to farming extended to the local FFA chapter, of which he was a great supporter. KK loved the outdoors and always found time to be in nature, even when not at the barn and in the field. He was an expert hunter, fisherman and noodler. In 2013 he discovered an affection for English Bulldogs; first with Winston, who became a local celebrity, and in recent years with his newest additions, Walter and Penny. His love and devotion to his family were beyond compare, and he put them first in everything. He took on his favorite family role of “Papa KK” in 2021. Kelly’s love for the Lord and his church family were also especially important to him. He was a member of Abundant Love Fellowship in Maysville.
KK lived life to the fullest. He blessed everyone he met and his generosity was endless. He was full of wisdom, humor and friendship. He was a secret practical joker, and his laughter was infectious. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.
His survivors include children, Kresha Becker and husband, Brandon Becker, of Norman; Gunner Donham of Maysville; and Josie Donham of Maysville; one grandchild, Norah Kelly Becker; and sisters, Cindy Wilmot and husband, Jesse, of Maysville; Debby Gamble and husband, Danny, of Maysville; and Mary Alice Koehn and husband, Rod, of Norman.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Shi and Mary Sue Donham. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in his honor to the Maysville FFA, Blood Cancer United, or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
Funeral services were Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Abundant Love Fellowship, Maysville, with Bro. Danny Gamble officiating. A private family burial followed, under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at winansfuneralhome.com.
