By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
4 Comments
  • Visitation

    Thursday January 6, 2022

    9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

    Funeral Service 11:00 a.m.

    New Hope Presbyterian Church, Saint Charles, MO

  • Service

    Graveside Service

    Friday January 7, 2022

    11:00 a.m.

    Graceland Cemetery, Albion, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Jacquel Emmett Kelewae, 97, of Weldon Spring, MO, died peacefully at home on December 23, 2021. Emmett was born to Jacquel and Sarah (MacCuish) Kelewae in East St. Louis, IL, on January 23, 1924.

    He served in the Navy during World War II as a pharmacist’s mate, second class. He married Ruth Naomi Waite in Gary, IN, in 1945. After graduating from college, he attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Over 51 years of pastoral ministry, he served eleven churches from Long Island to North Dakota, retiring from the First Presbyterian Church in Albion, IL. Upon retirement, he returned to his boyhood home area of St. Louis. He spent the last eighteen years with his sweetheart and dedicated partner Joann Stewart in Weldon Spring, MO. The family appreciated the support and care of Joann and her three children, Lisa (Richard) Trachsel, Kristin (Richard) Sieve, and Jon (René) Stewart during these years.

    He is survived by Joann Stewart, and his children Jacquel (Sarah) Kelewae, Kenneth (Susan) Kelewae, Gene Kelewae’s widow Janet, Beth Hart, Jonathan Kelewae, and Karen (Bruce) Rademacher. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth and two children Deborah Jo and Gene. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

    A funeral service will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, Saint Charles, MO, at 11:00 AM on January 6, 2022, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 AM.

    Interment: 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2022, Graceland Cemetery, Albion, IL.

    In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be sent to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 North Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA  15206.

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

4 Condolences
 
  1. Curtis Ingram / January 4, 2022 at 8:27 pm

    Such an honor to serve with Emmett while honoring families at their time of loss in his time in Albion
    Rest In Peace dear one.
    Curtis and Dolores Ingram.

  2. David shain / January 5, 2022 at 11:24 am

    We at albion presbyterian church so appreciate the time he gave to our congragation
    I will never forget his welcoming smile and encouraging word.

  3. Cori Copeland / January 5, 2022 at 4:43 pm

    I remember Pastor Kelewae fondly. I played the organ for services and he was always welcoming and kind. I remember Ruth as well, always a pleasant smile for all.
    Cori Copeland 🎵

  4. Bob Armenti / September 7, 2024 at 6:08 am

    As a child in the 60’s I worshiped at Allenside Presbyterian Church in Akron, Ohio. The pastor was named Kelewae and I am wondering if Emmett Kelewae was that pastor. I notice he had a daughter, Beth Hart, and Pastor Kelewae had a daughter Beth who was a classmate of mine.
    Bob Armenti
    Baltimore, Maryland

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