Rev. Donald B. Mckelvey, Sr.

Rev. Donald B. McKelvey, 88, of Lebanon, IL, was called home by God on, Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Joe’s Place Caring Cottage, in O’Fallon, IL.

Donald was born on April 4,1933 to Byron and Esther (nee Ald) McKelvey in Detroit, MI. Baptized in 1933 and confirmed in 1948, God always had a presence in Don’s life. On July 31, 1976, he married Jean Winning on Long Island, in Patchuge, NY.

Don was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1954 to 1958, post-war, in occupied Japan. After his military duty, Don began working as a Salesman in Detroit, MI; later moving into a lengthy career with United Way, where he was transferred from Detroit to St. Louis, MO, eventually becoming the V.P. of Allocations. In the mid 1980’s, Don’s path was calling him towards God once again, and he started attending Concordia Lutheran Seminary. In June 1986, he was assigned to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Brussels, IL to a convertible vicarage. Don was ordained and installed at St. Matthew on May 31, 1987. Then, on August 26, 1990, blessed with a new calling, Don became the Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Lebanon, IL, where he stayed until his retirement on July 3, 1998.

Don loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He always enjoyed a good crossword or word search puzzle and had an additional love of gardening.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Ester McKelvey.

He is survived by his wife Jean McKelvey, Lebanon, IL; children, Sandra Williams, Jefferson City, IN, Donald (Alma) McKelvey Jr., Weirton, WV, Stephen (Sanni) McKelvey, Leawood, KS, Scott (Linda) Orr, Yorbalinda, CA, Timothy (Cynthia) Orr, Port St. Lucy, FL; grandchildren, Aleigh McKelvey, Skye McKelvey, Daniel Orr, Jonathon Orr, Kathryn (Mike) Harwood, and Allison Orr.

Memorials may be made to Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105

Graveside Service an Interment: Friday, June 18, 2021, 10:00 am, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park Cemetery, Livonia, MI

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL