Rep Gary Kelly, a Democrat, represents parts of Clay, Caldwell and Ray counties (District 36) in the Missouri House of Representatives.

In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Kelly has spent 10 years working as a police officer, five of those in Richmond, Mo., working as a school resource officer, on road patrol, as an FBI certified firearms instructor and as a field training officer. He is also an investigator with the Missouri Major Case Squad, a D.A.R.E. instructor, a community oriented policing officer and has assisted with the Drug Task Force with clandestine lab raids. Previously he worked as a student pastor in Indiana from 1991-1993, as a police officer at Central Missouri State University (CMSU) from 1986-1991 and was also a part-time ambulance attendant in Warrensburg, Mo.

Rep. Kelly is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at CMSU and has been recognized before the City Council, by letters of commendation, for outstanding performance in the line of duty. He also is involved in the following organizations: Synergy Services, chair elect; Community 2000, past treasurer; Richmond High School Peer Helpers, sponsor; Red Ribbon Week, 1999 Richmond area chair; Child and Adolescent Special Service Project; Ray County Coalition Against Underage Drinking; Teens Against Reckless Driving; School Crisis Response Team; Council on Human Resources; Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; Parents as Teachers; Sexual Offender Response Team; Youth Friends mentoring program; National Night Out; and the Richmond Clean-up Day, a beautification project. Past activities include Youth for Christ club sponsor and working as a Church youth counselor.

A 1980 graduate of Hamilton Penney High School, Rep. Kelly received a bachelor of science degree in broadcasting and film from Central Missouri State University. He also attended Asbury Theological Seminary.

Born June 23, 1962 in Cameron and raised on the family farm near Kidder, Mo., Rep. Kelly lives in Richmond.