Rev. Keith St. John

Keith St. John was a hard-working, humble servant of the Lord. He was devoted to God, his family, and the church. He served God and others with a joyful laugh and willing spirit.

Born October 3, 1915 in Highland, Michigan, Keith was the oldest of five children. His parents, Karl and Elizabeth (Schleutker) St. John, raised Keith along with his two brothers and two sisters: Mildred, Josephine, Clare, and Glenn. Keith’s strong work ethic was developed early in this farming community. Many hours were spent working the crops in the fields and taking them to market. Along with the hard work there was also time for some fun. Keith and his friends could be found swimming in the local pond during the warmer weather and ice skating in the winter.

Even as a youngster, church was an important part of Keith’s life. His mother took the family to church every Sunday, and a love of the Lord was nurtured in this future man of God. While spiritual things were becoming important to Keith, he realized his education needed to be attended to as well. These were difficult economic times with the Depression lasting through most of the 1930s, but Keith was determined to go to college. He worked hard, eventually earning the money he needed.

Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois was the college of his choice, and chemistry was his major. While at Olivet, there was a fire in the Old Ad building. Keith sprang into action and saved $3,000 worth of vital science equipment by passing it out a window while the fire burned above. Olivet rewarded him with a $50 scholarship. Both amounts were substantial. His heroic act allowed Olivet to continue the Science program uninterrupted.

His time at Olivet shaped his life in two significant ways. First, he met a very special lady named Carol Shearer, who was studying to be a teacher. Second, while Keith was majoring in chemistry he followed God’s call to become a pastor. Keith took the important step to make both loves official. Keith and Carol became husband and wife on November 11, 1943 in her hometown of Marion, Ohio.

The St. Johns pastored in five Michigan cities: Flushing, Ludington, St. Louis, Grand Rapids and Lansing. Keith had a caring spirit and a shepherd’s heart for his people. Once people had Keith St. John as their Pastor they never forgot him. Often people considered Keith their pastor long after he had moved.

Eventually the St. John family grew to four. Kelvin was born in 1950 and Karla in 1956. Keith was a loving father who was very devoted to sharing his time with his work and his family. After the Sunday night service the St. John tradition was relaxing at home with popcorn and lemonade.

Keith’s love of God extended to God’s creation and the simple things in life. He took the time to share this love of nature with his children and his grandchildren. In 1964 Keith combined his building skills with Carol’s sewing ability and they built a tent trailer fondly known as “Bed Bug.” The trailer helped Keith to stay close to nature as the family traveled across the US and Canada.

Keith used his talents to serve God and others. During his sermons he frequently used illustrations taken from nature and science to make spiritual points. The teachings of Dr. T. W. Willingham were studied to enhance his ministry. Everything he did was for the love of his Lord. He served in full time pastorates on the Michigan District for 37 years. The first sermon he preached at Olivet (ONU) and the last sermon he preached at Lansing Central were both taken from Luke 9:62. Keith’s life verses were Psalm 37:23 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

–Psalm 37:23

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

–Proverbs 3:5-6

In the early 1960’s, Keith and Carol began building a house at the Indian Lake Nazarene Campground near Vicksburg, Michigan. For many years it served as a summer home. Each year saw more work done on the house until it was winterized and became Keith and Carol’s retirement home in 1980. The house contained a unique feature: a fireplace constructed of stones from all the states they visited throughout the years. Fishing, photography and reading were activities Keith most enjoyed.

After 63 years of marriage, Carol went home to heaven. A little more than a year later, on April 12, 2008, Keith went to be with his Lord and reunited with his beloved Carol. He was ninety-two years old.

Rev. Keith St. John was a man devoted to God, his family and others. His life reflected Christ, not only to his family, but to his friends and parishioners. He will be missed by all he touched throughout his long and full life.

Learn more about Rev. St. John, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends Friday from 6-9 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main. Funeral services will be held at 1 pm Saturday at the Kalamazoo First Church of the Nazarene. Members of his family include his sister Josephine, his son Kelvin and wife Paula St. John of Olathe, Kansas, his daughter Karla and husband Keith Hurt of Portage, 5 grandchildren: Kristen, Kyle and Tera, Katrina and Keegan. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers and one sister.

Please visit Keith’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, order flowers or make a memorial donation.