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Joseph Ledwell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ledwell
Thomas Ledwell
May 11, 2009
Rev. Joseph was the original researcher for the Ledwell people. Many years ago he contacted my late brother William and sister, Sr. Catherine, to extend his work into Canada. More than that, he was a great Christian. Tom ledwell
Diana Knight-Cruz
March 20, 2009
I was 5 years old when I joined the church with my family. As a child, I remember how Pastor seemed "larger than life". As I grew, he was always there for me when I needed guidance, advice or even a shoulder to cry on. Looking back, I realize how busy he must have been, but he always had the time, and never seemed rushed. I didn't appreciate just how much of an impact he had on my life until I had a daughter, and wish so much that she could have known him. He will be so greatly missed.
March 20, 2009
I am saddened to hear of the passing Joseph. He was a great friend to my mother in the 60's when he was researching our family tree. I have many letters from him to my mother concerning the family history. I wish you all well.
Alan Ledwell Clarke
Dawn Ledwell Clarke
Emily Ledwell Clarke
Daniel Ledwell Clarke
Jane Ledwell Fisher.
Dwight Smith
March 12, 2009
I was totally shocked when I learned of the news of Pastor Ledwell's passing while surfing the Internet today. He was very special to me. My family and I attended the Homewood Church from around 1959 to 1968. It was the church that I grew up in. I always missed him after we moved. He conducted my 1967-1968 confirmation class with his wonderful sense of humor.
It was because of Pastor Ledwell (as well as Rev Hollett and my Sunday School teachers) that I am a church person.
My memories of the church include my classmates Jim Ingrahm, Karen Whitehill and the Strohs, Busse's, and many others. Clarence Stroh taught my 4th grade Sunday School class and his wife Grace sang in the choir.
My father , W. Dwight Smith (who died in 1992) was on the committee that hired Pastor Ledwell. Dad taught Sunday school class at that time, and had one of his daughters as a student. (It was the one who wore glasses at the time -- I think it was Kimberley.) Wonderful memories!
Blessings to you, Kimberley and Stephanie.
Tom Knight
March 3, 2009
I can't imagine the world without the Pastor. My world is certainly missing him. Since 1969 when I joined the church as a child he has played a major role in my life. He taught me, confirmed me, married me, consoled me and counseled me. That booming laugh that was so contagious! Clowning one day and blessing the pauper's grave the next. He was my minister and always will be.
Mrs. Karen Priewe
February 6, 2009
Dear Stephanie and Kimberly,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. It was my pleasure to have known him. He presided over many funerals that I had the opportunity to play for in several funeral homes. It was always my pleasure playing for those that he conducted.
He spoke of both of you with such great affection. He was a proud Papa, too. It was my pleasure knowning him and I will miss him.
I only wish I would have known when he passed.
Most sincerely,
Karen ( De Vries ) Priewe
Mike Sukow
January 3, 2009
Pastor Ledwell was my confirmation teacher, married my wife Heather and I in 1985, and presided over my father's funeral in 1998. I have nothing but fond memories. I am very saddened to find out that he passed away. He will be missed.
George and Eileen Curry
November 3, 2008
Stephanie and Kim -
It has been our great privilege to know your father, and to have been married by him. He helped us arrange for Jim Beatty and Gordon Crombie to play the bagpipes at our wedding, and that's not something to take for granted. We miss him, and always will. How many of us are lucky enough to ever know such a terrific human being? Who else would have been more capable of giving the proper guidance to grandsons? You should be very proud of your children. Your parents, in turn, helped the two of you to become the best of parents. Your father brought joy to so many, and we hope this is a comfort to you. We should all try to live as though he's watching, because he is!
Jason Gansauer
October 28, 2008
Reverend Ledwell was a great comfort to our family on three occasions. Our family will remember him as a man of compassion and kindness. Our sympathies go out to everyone who was touched by this man. Heaven remains in the thoughts of others.
John Sarantakos
October 27, 2008
I am deeply sadden to hear of Pastor Ledwell passing. My heart goes out to his family. Growing up in the 1st Presbyterian Church in the 60's and 70's, Pastor Ledwell helped to form a soild foundiation for me spirtually. I will remember him for his kind words, friendly smile and open caring heart.
Paul Thew
October 21, 2008
Dearest Uncle Joe...thank you for living Christ's words...you inspired me and countless others to be better...Till we meet again...Paul
David Parry
October 20, 2008
I first met Pastor Joe around 4 years ago, and the first words he said to me were in my native language of Welsh, this was the first time Pastor Joe surprised me but it would not be the last. In the short time I knew him I was astounded by the life he had led, the things he had done and the work he continued to do, so far as it became common for me to say “but of course he’s Pastor Joe”
The American side of my family often jokingly refers to me as ‘The Heathen’, as I have never attended church, and will go to tremendous lengths to avoid attending.
However, Pastor Joe managed to do in a very short time what no other member of the church had ever managed to do, he won my absolute respect and admiration, he was a real one off, the salt on the earth, a good bloke and one of the only people I have ever thought to be a true man of god.
Myself and my family will miss him greatly.
janet torres
October 18, 2008
I am really sorry to learn of pastor Ledwell's passing.. he will be truly missed..he was a wonderful, kind, and gentle person who always gave of himself.. He will always have a special place in my heart.. He married two of my children, babtised several of my grandchildren, and did the funeral services of my ex grandmother in law, anne livingston, my ex mother in law leta mcguffin, ex father in law frank mcguffin , my ex husband bill mcguffin and my husband alejandro torres.. he talked with me at length many times about crisis in my family and also the happy times.. he was always honest in his opinions and ideas and i always knew he would be the best one to confide in.. he was so patient with everyone he came in contact and much loved ..he could laugh and cry with real emotion.. He will be missed and in our hearts forever.. mrs janet [mcguffin] torres
wheatfield, indiana 46392
Gregory & Virginia Butterworth
October 18, 2008
Words are not enough to convey our feelings at a time like this. But, just wanted to say, that we are sorry for your lost and hope that the precious memories of your father (grandfather) will help to comfort you at this time of sorrow. May you find peace and comfort knowing that your loved one is in God's care.
With Heartfelt Sympathy.
Sincerely,
Greg & Virginia Butterworth
janet torres
October 18, 2008
I am so very sorry to hear of pastor ledwell's passing.. He was a great friend of my family..such a kind and gentle man with much compassion for everyone's feelings..He married two of my children, did grandchildren baptism's, buried my ex in-law's..grandmother livingston, mom leta mcguffin, frank mcguffin, my ex-husband bill mcguffin , my second husband alejandro torres and spent many hours talking to me and helping me cope with all the grief in my family.. we also shared happy times too tho..i was able to tell him anything in confidence and he always told me honestly what he thought.. he was part of my family for over 50 years..he will be truly missed by myself, and my family members.. mrs. janet [mcguffin] torres
Jolene Blakesley-Goodman
October 18, 2008
Pastor Ledwell will always have a special place in my heart. He has been there for me and my family throughout the years. I have so many fond memories growing up with him every Sunday. Confirmation classes and the posters he would bring to each class (those of you confirmed by him know what I am talking about) helped me to connect my faith and religious beliefs to the world. He was a clown at one of my birthday parties and made balloon animals for everyone. He was someone I confided in when I questioned my faith or when I needed someone to talk to. I will never forget him or his laugh. I will miss him.
Karen McGuffin Albers
October 17, 2008
I am truly sorry to hear about Rev ledwell, he will be missed. He's been in my life for many years. He married me and baptised my son, buried my Grandma and My dad and my step father, he was always so kind.Was always there for my family. He will be Missed!!
Brian McGuffin
October 17, 2008
Pastor Ledwell was a wonderful man.I am so thankful that he played a important part in my family. From my Grandparents Frank and Leta McGuffin to my Parents and just recently married my wife and I.He will truley be missed by many.
Brian & Paula McGuffin
Robert Arnold
October 17, 2008
Pastor Ledwell was a shining light. When I awoke on Sunday mornings in my early childhood, I never looked forward to the hours of Sunday school ahead. That attitude changed when I started confirmation class. Suddenly, I had a passion for going to church. Here was a man that, through his eyes and his tone, could encapsulate me like I was at a movie theater. He painted beautiful pictures with his sermons that are hard to forget.
One sermon was about a man coming home from the war and finding a pen pal he had been in touch with over the several months he was overseas. She writes that she’ll be wearing a red rose pin on her lapel when he gets off the train. When the train arrives the woman is worried that the man would only like her for her looks. She asks another woman if she’d wear the red rose pin for her. When the man gets off the train she notices his look of disappointment when he sees the other, less attractive, woman wearing the red rose pin. The man feels obliged to introduce himself, however, since the relationship they had developed through letters was one that gave him hope overseas. When the real woman sees this she comes forward and explains why she’d tested him and they lived happily ever after.
Stories like these were the reason to go to church. I have to give pastor full credit for those images that are still intensely engraved in my mind. The story above really touched me, as evidenced by the 18 years that have gone by since then. His tone was always deliberate and understanding, and it was almost like he knew something that you didn’t every time he smiled at you with his eyes. His presence always brought a sense of comfort. I remember distinctly the feelings I had when I saw pastor for the first time after my sister died, which was at my grandmother’s funeral. He said, simply, ”I’m sorry for your loss”. I can’t explain why, but I almost felt a sense of disclosure. Like somehow the reason I was wondering why my loved ones were being taken from me had somehow vanished, and I was resolved.
Pastor Ledwell was one of my heroes. He set a prime example of what I have come to view as the ideal man: someone with unbending integrity, honor, loyalty, and commitment. I will never forget Pastor Ledwell, a man who holds such a high place in my heart.
Feb 2006 Pastor baptizing Jackson & Tyler Karshen, sons of Brian and Kimberly (Gaston) Karshen
October 17, 2008
Feb 2006 Pastor baptizing Kayleigh Kerman, daughter of Mark and Debbie (Gaston) Kerman
October 17, 2008
Debbie Kerman (Gaston)
October 17, 2008
If to have lived a fulfilling life is to have touched, helped, healed the lives of others, Pastor Ledwell lived the fullest of lives. His smiles, laughter, and love for God and others were contagious. His sense of humor and story-telling skills drew even non-believer to him, and thus to God's work. I am so grateful to have been baptized, confirmed, and married by such a blessed man! His work on earth may be complete, but the efforts of his labor will continue for many years to come. God bless you, Pastor! You'll hold a special place in my heart always!
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
(Revelation 14:13)
Linda Toomey
October 17, 2008
Pastor Ledwell was an amazing man who had the ability to lift you up no matter what - he made you a believer. I am honored to have known such a wonderful and inspiring man. I was fortunate enough to have had him marry my husband and I in October 1999 and he was there for me when my husband passed away in January 2007. He will be sorely missed by all of the lives that he touched. Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family on your loss. I hope you take comfort in knowing what an amazing person he was and how many people are going to miss him. God Speed Pastor!
Pastor Joe at Flossmoor Community Church, 2004
October 16, 2008
Old Saint Joe
Brooke Parry
October 16, 2008
I cannot express the honor and the privilege of working with Pastor Joe these past four years as his assistant at Flossmoor Community Church. His dedication and tireless efforts to make sure that no one was left behind were astounding. He could restore your faith in humanity with a single smile. How I'll miss his laughter, his sincerity, his warm hugs.
My dearest buddy, though I know you are just fine and eternally happy, your departure leaves all of us devastated with hurting hearts. I can hardly immagine a workday without your companionship, encouragement, book recommendations and corny jokes. We have lost an angel here on earth, but I can't think of anyone I'd rather watch over us from heaven.
Diane Margita
October 16, 2008
To know Pastor Joe was to love him, and he loved you right back. I have never met anyone like him, and I am grateful for having known him even a short time. He showed by example how a life can be lived, with prayer and faith, humor and smiles, humility and wisdom. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Alyce Morgan
October 16, 2008
Pastor baptized, confirmed and married my husband and I in 1974.
What a treasure to the community is lost. A picture of him at my wedding sits in my living room always.
God keep his family.
Alyce (McClendon) Morgan
William (HotDog) Palmer
October 16, 2008
We as members of the Medinah Clown unit wish to extend to "Friar Tucks" family our heartfelt sympathy.
Joe was a great and compassionate member and a great contributer to the children of the Hospital and our members when in need of his services.
I know he now stands in the center ring of heaven with his Maker.
Cheryl, John and Colton Moore
October 16, 2008
My Deepest sympathies to the family. God has better plans for him now and you can all know that he has touched many, many lives in the best way possible. He was a wonderful loving man and he will truly be missed! He married my husband and I in 1986 and also baptized our son Colton in 1997 and has always been there for our family in good and bad we will truely miss him! My heart is very sad!!
Lauri Harvey Keagle
October 16, 2008
Rev. Ledwell married my husband and I at St. Paul Community Church in Homewood in March 2006 and was such a joy for both of us. I also had the pleasure of witnessing the burial services he provided for the indigent and unknown in Cook County. We've lost a genuinely sweet, joyful Christian man. May we learn from his actions and carry them on.
L. Bringelson
October 16, 2008
God must have had a plan for "You" seeing that this past weekend was the 150th Anniversary for the First Presbyterian Chruch in Homewood. You held a special place in my heart and always will. My younger sister was a good friend of your family. I wasn't one to go to Church faithfully, but you made me "believe".
You performed services for my Father in 1978 which I have and will always cherish. You made it feel like you knew him forever. You also married my younger sister and her husband and my younger brother and his wife, and baptized my godchild. And I know you have done so MUCH in so MANY ways for SO many people. I was hoping you would be around for a longer time...apparently you were needed for more important things. Especially to be with your recently deceased wife. I know you will be watching over all of us and we will be in your prayers as will you always be in mine. You will be truly Missed.
God Bless You and Your Family,
The Jones family Gary, Julie, Jen & Garrett
October 15, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the Ledwell family. We have the fondest memories of Pastor Ledwell. He baptised Julie, Jen and Garrett, married Gary's sister Vicki and Julie's brother Guy. He always had a joke ready, a balloon for the kids, loved life, and gave so much of himself. Fondly,
Diane Mettler
October 15, 2008
Stephanie and Kimberly and families....I cannot tell you how my heart and prayers go out to all of you on the death of your dear father, Joseph. He was such an inspiration, friend and confident to so many of us. He gave of himself and all his talents selflessly and we loved him for it. My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Susan (Rachford) Lynch
October 15, 2008
Our deepest sympathies to the Ledwell family. We grew up with Pastor Ledwell in Homewood, he was our spiritual guiding force. He performed my confirmation, our wedding ceremony and our son's baptism. His tireless volunteer activities will be greatly missed.
Gail Metcalfe Wegner
October 15, 2008
We have lost a very giving soul who helped bury those many unknown people of the County. He will be truly missed.
Dawn Dakes-Sulkowski
October 15, 2008
Pastor Ledwell was always there for me and my family and I will always cherish the memories I have of him.
Pastor-You will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything you did for me and my family.
Laura Hudson
October 15, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joseph was such a special person, and I know that memaw is so happy to be with him again. He will be truly missed.
Leroy, Donald and Phyllis Hudson
October 15, 2008
Please know that we are holding all of you up in our prayers. Cast your burden on the Lord and He sustains . None of us were ready to see him go but I know Jerldean is really happy to have him with her.
Rick & Cathy Pott
October 15, 2008
Our deepest condolences and sympathies. Pastor Ledwell married my wife Cathy (Shook) Pott and I in 1978. The Grand Architect of the Universe has called home a just and upright Mason. The Masonic fraternity has lost an outstanding and tireless individual. He will be truly missed.
Keri McCoy
October 15, 2008
Goodbye Fr. Joe we love and will miss you!
Joyce Maliska
October 15, 2008
I am speechless. Pastor has done so much for me in the past. May God lift all of you in his arms and comfort you at this huge loss in your lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Speed. Love Joyce
Keri McCoy
October 15, 2008
Goodbye Fr. Joe we will miss you and love you
From the Staff of Tews Funeral Home
October 15, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Kenneth Mettler
October 15, 2008
Our condolences at this time. We fondly remember Pastor Ledwell leading us on our spiritual journey in so many ways. Ken and Diane Mettler, Palm Coast, FL.
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