God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, called Reverend Ernest Wilson Kelker Sr. home to be with his Lord on August 15, 2023. He passed peacefully with his children and grandchildren at his side. Reverend Ernest, affectionately known as (Bobie), was born March 31, 1937 in Akron, Ohio to the late Equilla and Regina Kelker.

Reverend Ernest Graduated from Barberton High School after which he served in the U.S. Army as a military MP during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home from military duty, he was employed by Chrysler Corporation, where he retired after 30 years as a meticulous inspector. Because his father was a carpenter, Reverend Ernest naturally enjoyed carpentry work. He loved taking long rides with his family, especially in the fall as he enjoyed seeing the beauty of God’s creativity. More than anything Reverend Ernest loved God, His Word, and fellowship with the Saints. You could never have a conversation with him where God was not mentioned, and you were always left with a spiritual deposit.

Reverend Ernest will be remembered as a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Louise Kelker, his eldest son, Ernest Kelker Jr., and his brothers, David, Rudy, Roland, and Preston Kelker.

He leaves to cherish his life and legacy his sons, Bruce Kelker and Winston Austin Jr.; daughters Crystal Kelker, Yolanda Kelker, Jaqueline (Darryl) Truitt, and Wendy (Larry) Robinson; brothers Carl Kelker of Brownsmills, New Jersey and De’Juan Kelker Sr. of Akron, Ohio; sisters Regina Gladman, Pastor Emeritas of Akron, Ohio and Apostle Grace Clayton of Temecula, California; brother-in-law Bruce Alexander and sister-in-law Lillian Alexander, both of Akron; his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.