Kenneth Raymond Ouellette

Kenneth Raymond Ouellette, age 91, husband of the late Elizabeth Bock Ouellette, entered Heaven's gates on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Born in Springfield, MA, on July 21, 1927, in the family home on Chapel Street, he was the second son of George and Elsie Ouellette. After graduating from Springfield Technical High School and serving in the United States Army at Fort McClellan, AL, he attended Bob Jones University where he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, was called to preach, and met and married his “love for life,” Elizabeth Louise (Betty Lou) Bock. He married Betty Lou, in 1951, and their first born, Rene’ Bock, came along just prior to moving to Washington DC, where he served at the Washington DC Rescue Mission. He was called to pastor at the Perry Baptist Church in MI. It is here that Esther Sharon and Bethel Joy (Beth) were born. The years were blessed with many souls saved, church growth, and a new building. His next move was to be superintendent of the Detroit Rescue Mission. It was in Detroit that Rachel Elizabeth graced the family with her presence. At the mission Ken lead the charge for a new building, protected many through the riots, and facilitated hundreds of inner-city children in healthcare and a week-long summer camp. Ken went into full-time evangelism where he traveled the US sharing the gospel through soul-winning and revival meetings. It was during this time that Paul Jonathan was born. Ken then became Pastor of Tri-Lakes Baptist Church in Brighton, MI. Again souls were saved and a new building was built. He then went on to Faithway Baptist Schools in Ypsilanti, MI where he was the administrator of K-12. In the following years, Ken went back into the Pastorate at Dixie Road Baptist and then at Gilead Baptist. After retiring from full-time ministry, he remained faithful to the Lord serving as a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist and then at Good News Baptist, and sharing the Gospel everywhere he went. Many were blessed by his last Sunday School lesson on July 22, 2018. A constant theme in his life was Galatians 6:14 “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” He spent his life sharing God's Good News and "fishing for men" throughout his journey. One of his favorite ways to share the gospel was through giving away Chick tracts. He ordered 1000 at a time and shared them from the NYC Subway to road-trip stops, door-to-door in the neighborhood, at local restaurants, and more. Ask the family about some of these amazing stories. Even as he became homebound, he shared the plan of salvation with everyone who visited; several people came to know the Lord after he shared “How to get to Heaven from Greer, SC” in his home. Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” The Lord called this servant home, where he was reunited with his wife, parents, and numerous family and friends. This was a day he always anticipated, though so much more of late. His final thoughts were depicted by this quote he shared, “Dieu merci pour une vie bien vécue.” (Thank God for a life well lived.) He is survived by his children: RB and Krisy Ouellette, Esther and James Maxwell, Beth Ouellette, Rachel and Pete Childers, Paul and Chrissy Ouellette; his grandchildren Karissa and Thomas Coats, Katie and Curtis Gordon, Mason Ouellette, Sydney Ouellette, Lexi McMullen, and Isabelle Ouellette; and great-grandchildren Ashley and Ethan Coats, and Sawyer and Westin Gordon. Also surviving him are his sisters Gertrude Fountain and Shirley Hicks, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. If you wish to join us in a celebration of his life, please come to the Wood Mortuary Chapel, 300 West Poinsett Street, Greer, SC 29650 (864-877-3351). The celebration service will be Thursday at 11 AM, with the graveside service immediately following. Visitation will be Wednesday evening at from 5 – 7 pm. The many prayers, well wishes, and kind thoughts are much appreciated. Memorials may be made in Ken Ouellette’s honor to The Elizabeth Ouellette Education Fund at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, MI, The Good News Baptist Church in Greer, SC, and Pruitt Hospice of Simpsonville, SC.

Kenneth Raymond Ouellette

July 21, 1927 - November 4, 2018