Robert W. Sewell

Robert Wayman "Bob" Sewell, of St. Charles entered the arms of his Lord and Savior on Dec. 26, 2008. Loving husband, father and grandfather, his compassion and generosity touched thousands of fellow church members, customers and friends through 78 years of selfless service. Bob was born June 24, 1930, in St. Louis to Wayman and Edna (nee: Breuer) Sewell. He grew up in Overland as an enthusiastic member of the Sportsman's Park "Knothole Gang", and spent summers at family farms near Cuba, Mo. After graduating from Ritenour High School in 1948, he studied biology and Bible at Harding College, Searcy, Ark. At Harding he met Rickie Megumi Arimura, whom he married November 7, 1953. From 1953-1955 he served as a U.S. Army medic in Japan, Korea and East Pakistan. On his return, he resumed working at Sewell Heating and Cooling, founded by his father in 1946. Bob succeeded his father and continued to operate the business until his passing. Bob's passions were his family and his relationship with Jesus Christ. Bob and Rickie raised three children in a loving Christian home in St. Charles. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Bob served as an elder at the O'Fallon congregation and helped found the Dardenne Prairie church. He enjoyed researching Biblical history and following financial news. Many a weekend, over 40 years was spent laughing with family and church friends at the Sewell fishing cabin near Wright City. Always a servant, Bob gave generously of his time, wisdom and financial resources. He read his Bible daily and lived its teachings. His smile, encouragement and compassion will be deeply missed by family, church members and customers throughout the St. Louis area. Survivors include devoted wife of 55 years, Rickie Sewell, St. Charles, Mo.; son Kenneth (Cathy) and grandson Joshua Sewell, Willis, Texas; daughter Lisa (Andrew) and granddaughter Emily Wilson, Arlington, Texas; son Martin and grandsons Paul and Steven Sewell, Cliffwood Beach, N.J.; sisters Kathleen (John) Pratt and Margaret Matheny, both of Cuba, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Dardenne Prairie Church of Christ or Christian Family Services