Kenneth H. St. Clair

CEDARVILLE Kenneth H. St. Clair, 86 of Cedarville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior October 3, 2013. Ken was born June 1, 1927 in Brighton, Colorado to the late John W. St. Clair, Sr. and Lida (Dennhardt) St. Clair. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Lorenz St. Clair, of Urbana, Illinois, his younger brother, John W. St. Clair, Jr. of Palmyra, Missouri and his infant son, John Paul St. Clair. He leaves his beloved wife, Ida Belle (North) St. Clair who was totally devoted to his care and supported him in everything he endeavored. On October 24th, they would be celebrating 65 years of marriage.

Ken also leaves a daughter, Linda Nier (married to Danny Nier) and a son, Jeff St. Clair (married to Debbie (VanSickle) St. Clair; 8 grandchildren: Krista McMillen (Mark), Bryan Nier (Milka), Brent Nier (Rachel), John St. Clair, Melissa St. Clair, Stephen St. Clair, David St. Clair, Jennifer Reeves (Tony); 11 great-grandchildren: Mitchell & Mariah McMillen, Jacob, Lina & Amelia Nier, Brianna Nier & Lindsay Sticka, Gideon, Liam & Boston Reeves, Gabe Albee. He was deeply loved and respected by his family.

On June 15, 1945, he entered World War II as Yeoman Third Class, serving in the Philippines. At the close of the war, he participated in decommissioning ships and served until July 13, 1946. He was assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet and returned to duty in 1950 to then commission ships in the Korean War. He then received an honorable discharge March 24, 1952. He was proud to serve his country.

Ken's life exemplified one of faithfulness and commitment. He received his B.S. in 1956 and his M.S. in 1963, both from the University of Illinois. He received his C.P.A. in 1962. Prior to arriving in Cedarville in 1959, Ken St. Clair taught four years at Gem City Business College in Quincy, Illinois. He worked as an accountant with Gray, Hunter, Stenn & Co. In 1959, Ken served as the head of the Business Department of then Cedarville College. He was instrumental in organizing and developing this department. It wasn't long until Dr. Jeremiah approached him to become the Business Mgr. as he recognized his expertise and skills in finance. In 1988, he was named the VP for Business, under the presidency of Dr. Paul Dixon. He served Cedarville University for 33 years and continued as an associate professor, teaching personal finance. Professionally, he was active in the following organizations: Associate of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (as member of Board of Directors, president, vice president, treasurer), Ohio Society of CPA's, American Institute of CPA's, National Association of Church Business Administration, Christian Ministries Management Association (as president of Southwest Ohio Group).

Ken served as a lecturer/consultant in the following areas: personal finance, church business management, pastors' compensation, church/nonprofit accounting systems, taxes for pastors and churches.

Ken was involved in the following Christian organizations: Baptist Mid-Missions (as general council member, administrative committee member, trustee and finance committee), Ohio Association of Regular Baptist Churches (as chairman of Advisory Committee), President of Faculty and Staff Investment Club. A faithful member of Grace Baptist Church for 54 years, he served as Sunday School Superintendent, usher, treasurer, teacher, missions' committee, finance committee and co-leader of the Young at Heart Group for 21 years, until he was 81 years of age. Ken was committed to the community in which he lived as clerk treasurer and councilman of the Village for over 25 years, Advisory Committee to Cedarville Public Schools, President of Cedarville Area Development Corporation, member of Kyle Medical Center Board, Chairman of Cedarville Improvement Committee, member of Ways and Means Committee, member of Cedarville Area Chamber of Commerce. Ken and Ida enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Africa, China, Israel and numerous routes to California and back. They planned five trips to Branson for their Young at Heart Group from Grace Baptist Church. Ken loved cars, used and new. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were precious in his sight. Most importantly, Ken accomplished much for the cause of Christ.

Friends may visit Ken's family at Grace Baptist Church of Cedarville on Sunday, October 6, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A service of celebration is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. the following morning, October 7 at Grace Baptist Church. A graveside service will follow at North Cemetery of Cedarville.

Ken's family are very grateful for the warm smiles and compassion from the people of Miami Valley South Cancer Center, the kind and caring people of Hospitality Home East of Xenia, the numerous cards and visits from dear friends. Contributions may be made in his memory to Baptist Mid-Missions, P. O. Box 308011, Cleveland, Ohio 44130-8011. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.