Jacquel Emmett Kelewae

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.