Dr. Emmanuel Adebayo Afuwape passed away at the age of 82 on December 11, 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri. Emmanuel was born in Iperu, Ogun State in Nigeria to Pa Sadiku Jaisa Afuwape and Madam Suwebatu Omobowale Afuwape in 1942. From this union, he was the eldest of their four children. Although his parents were Muslim, he converted to Christianity at a young age.
He received his primary education in Iperu and his secondary education at Kings College from 1956-1962 in Lagos, Nigeria. Thereafter, he attended medical school at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan from 1963-1968 in West Nigeria. While at university, he met his soon-to-be wife, Adedoyin Oredola Keleko. Marrying her in 1971, they immigrated to the United States so that he could further pursue his medical dreams. Emmanuel settled in St. Louis, Missouri, training at Homer G. Phillips Hospital to specialize in Trauma and General Surgery. As a General Surgeon, he dedicated nearly 50 years of service to Illinois residents at Gateway Community Hospital in East St. Louis, Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital (formerly known as St. Mary’s Hospital) in East St. Louis, Touchette Regional Hospital in Cahokia Heights, Gateway Regional Medical Center (formerly known as St. Elizabeth Hospital) in Granite City, and his private practice in Belleville and East St. Louis. Several years before retiring, he also worked at Wexford Health Sources in St. Charles, Illinois.
Notable awards and leadership roles Emmanuel held include Chief of Staff at Gateway Community Hospital, Chief Medical Officer/President Medical Staff of the Surgery and Trauma Departments at Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital (formerly known as St. Mary’s Hospital), and fellow (FACS) of American College of Surgeons.
He is survived by his wife, Adedoyin, and two daughters, Yetunde and Temitayo. Emmanuel’s visitation, funeral, and burial will be held on December 21, 2024. First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood will host the visitation from 9:00 am – 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at the same location. A public burial will immediately follow the service at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please contact the family.