Daniel Bruce “Danny” Kellas was born on April 7, 1961 to Carter W. and Terry J. Kellas in  Winchester, VA. His dad, Carter, was a sales manager in Hagerstown, MD.  Danny grew up in Winchester with two sisters, Beth Kellas Burton and  Susan Kellas Hill, and was a proud 1979 graduate of John Handley High  School, where he was an all-around athlete excelling in tennis,  basketball, and wrestling.

Danny was best known, however, for his  scholarly pursuits and leadership at Handley. Danny graduated at the top  of his class scholastically and was a member of the National Honor  Society, Key Club, and photography club. Additionally, Danny was the  assistant business manager of Handley’s yearbook. As much of a standout  as he was in his foundational years, Danny’s life of selfless service  was a direct reflection of his faith. The virtues that Danny led with as  a cadet, officer, businessman, and entrepreneur were formulated in the  humble teachings of God, starting humbly as the president of his church  youth group.

Danny received a congressional appointment to West  Point from the Honorable J. Kenneth Robinson, the representative from  the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 7th District, and joined the Class of  1983. After plebe year Danny was assigned to Company B-3. As a “Bandit,”  Danny was a well-rounded cadet rising to the rank of cadet captain and  was captain of the Squash Team. Danny enjoyed regaling the Corps at WKDT  for four years and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes  throughout his time with the corps. Danny also loved the Investment  Club, a foreshadowing of his life after his service in the Army.

Danny’s  real passion was intercollegiate squash, playing all four years at West  Point and becoming the team captain his firstie year. Danny led the  team to a tremendous 12-5 record with the A-team championship at the  Navy Invitational and a 5-4 thumping of the University of Pennsylvania,  the first win over Penn since 1963. Under Danny’s leadership, the team  improved its standing to eighth in the nation despite only returning  four lettermen in his senior year. Danny’s personal highlight was being  ranked 13th in the country and earning a spot as a second team  All-American.

After graduation Danny served as a graduate  assistant in West Point’s tennis/squash office before attending flight  school at Fort Rucker, AL. He was first assigned as a platoon leader in  the 82nd Aviation Battalion at Fort Bragg, NC in January 1985. In June  1987, Danny moved to the 35th Signal Brigade, where he was assigned as  an aviation platoon leader. Next Danny took command of a company in the  1-154th Aviation Battalion in June 1987. After command Danny met and  fell in love with Barbara. Barbara and Danny were married in May 1989.  The Kellases have two children: Sarah and Matthew (Matt). Barbara has  another son, Brian Stevens, from a relationship before she met Danny.

Danny  resigned his commission in 1993 to pursue a civilian career. In that  same year Barbara and Danny moved to Charlotte, NC, where Sarah attended  Lake Park Christian Academy as one of its first 10 students. Danny,  caring deeply for her education, served on the school’s board for many  years, rising, as one would expect, to chairman. That year, 1993, also  brought Matt to their family. As their family began to grow, Danny  reflected on Isaiah 40:31 often:

“…but they who wait for the Lord shall

renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles;

They shall run and not weary;

They shall walk and not faint.”

Danny  worked for Merrill Lynch for several years following a passion for  investments. This passion led Danny to open his own investment firm in  2002 in Mathews, NC. It was this that led Danny to join the Mathews  Kiwanis Club. A very generous scholarship was established in Danny’s  honor, the Daniel B. Kellas Community Service Scholarship, to recognize  his many years of dedicated service. This scholarship honors a  graduating high school senior of three local high schools where the  Kiwanis organization sponsors “Key Clubs.” The scholarship brings  Danny’s life’s work full circle, supporting his community through  improving the lives of children.

Danny and his family attended  Elevation Church, where he immediately became a greeter. All who met  Danny knew that, even though he was the newest member of the  congregation, he was the consummate greeter with his infectious smile,  warm hugs, and abundant conversation. Danny was baptized at Elevation on  February 11, 2007.

Danny devoted his time to his family, watching  Sarah play volleyball and Matt play basketball and tennis. In October  of 2008, based on his community service and leadership as well as his  rising to become a collegiate All-American in intercollegiate squash,  Danny was inducted into the Handley High School hall of fame.

Danny  was a godly man, loving husband, devoted father, and man of integrity.  Danny’s prayer for those who would grieve would be to find comfort and  renewed hope in God’s love. So, as God guides us through our grief, we  still have a peace that passes all understanding. Indeed, Danny could  say, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of  my departure has come. I have fought the good fight; I have finished  the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7.