A. Kelm

Reverend A. Dean Kelm, age 71, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 at Regency Hospital, following a short illness.

He was born October 29, 1938 in Malone, Texas. His parents, Otto and Ester Kelm preceded him in death. He married Loretta Brown Kelm on June 20, 1959, in Midland.

During his ministry of 41 years at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Pastor Kelm has been actively involved in various levels area, state and national through out the church body, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He served as VicePresident of the Texas District and Chairman of the Missions Board. He served as Circuit Counselor for the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod in the Permian Basin. He was the past President of the downtown Odessa Rotary Club, member of the 1st Leadership Odessa Class, and served on the West Texas Opportunity Advisory Counsel. He was a twotime state delegate to the Republican convention as well as a member of the Odessa Police Chaplin Core. He received The Heritage of Odessa Foundation Award for Humanities in 2000. He also served on the board of Family Promise.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Loretta Brown Kelm his children, Chris and wife BethAnn of San Antonio Jennifer and husband Todd of Houston Derek and wife Donna of Odessa. His grandchildren, Zachary, Brittany and Cooper of San Antonio Alexis and Austin of Houston Mason, Tyler, and Dalton of Odessa were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Schedler of Cameron, California brothers, Martin Kelm of Malone, Texas and Arthur Kelm of Hillsboro, Texas and a large extended family and friends. He considered his congregation as his forever family.


Family will receive friends and guests 7:009:00 PM Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. All are invited to attend the graveside services at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Sunset Memorial Gardens followed by a Memorial service, celebrating his life, at 2:00 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

The service will be conducted by long time friend, Pastor Steve Wagner of Carrollton, Texas. Pallbearers include his grandsons: Zachary Kelm, Cooper Kelm, Mason Kelm, Tyler Kelm, Dalton Anderson and Austin Ariens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pastor A. Dean Kelm Memorial Fund 824 E. 18th Street, Odessa, Texas, 79761.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
79

Service

Memorial Service

Redeemer Lutheran Church
824 E. 18th
Odessa, TX  79761
Thursday, April 8, 2010
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762