K. L. Jacob, MD
January 26, 1931 ~ October 12, 2020
K.L. Jacob, MD passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020 at the age of 89. He was born on January 26, 1931 in Pariyaram, Kerala, India. Dr. Jacob graduated from Kasturba Medical College in Karnataka, and then did his residency at Christian Medical College, Vellore. He also completed his Masters in Surgery from Nagpur Medical College. He worked as a general surgeon at Little Flower Hospital in Angamaly, Kerala, ultimately rising to Chief of Staff. In 1971, he decided to immigrate to the United States to continue his medical training; his wife and four small children joined him a year later. Dr. Jacob completed residency in Urology in Cleveland Ohio and then moved his family to El Dorado, Kansas. He practiced medicine in El Dorado, Augusta and ultimately, in Wichita. For 30 plus years he dedicated himself to his patients and to learning emerging medical technologies. As a devoted husband and father, he took time to teach each of his kids his favorite sport, tennis. He also served as their first role model for a strong work ethic, tenacity, and moral character. He and Lizzie were blessed to enjoy many years of retirement in Wichita and traveling the world. He loved to play tennis with his friends, to play golf (sometimes after a tennis match), to ‘modify’ Lizzie’s Indian recipes and also to tend to his garden. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lonakunji and Annamkutty Kannampilly and 8 of his 13 siblings. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lizzie, his daughters Anita Panikulam (Frank) of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Tessa (Michael Gaume, MD) of Mission Hills, Kansas, and sons John Jacob of Wichita, and Eapen Jacob, MD (Rochelle Torgerson, MD) of Rochester, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Joe, Jacob, India, Grace and Bergen. There will be a rosary on Saturday, Oct 17 at 10 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and funeral mass immediately following at 10:30 am. A memorial has been established with The Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. Downing and Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Dear Lizzie and children. We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Jacob and especially sorry that we will be in St Louis Saturday visiting our son John and family. We are sorry we are unable to be at his service. We have so many fun memories of our Tennis playing. I (Lou) remember being partners in a mixed doubles tournament and won the round robin tourney by a narrow margin. In our Tennis group there was a warning “If Jacob is your partner, play back as you don’t want to be hit by one of his “hits”. ” Yes, that happened a time or two but I don’t remember it happening to me. He was also Jim’s doctor. His patients loved him, his wit and concern. You raised a wonderful family and I especially appreciated John calling us as we also had a nice visit. May Jacob rest in peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Lou & Jim
My deepest condolences to Lizzie Chechi, Anita, Tessa, John and Eapen.May Chakkappen Chetten ‘s Soul rest in peace. I have no words to say how I feel, He was a father figure for Vakkachen and me right from the beginning in Angamaly,He was a mentor and guide to Vakkachen. He was there for us during Vakkachen’s surgery as a pillar of strength. We were lucky to spend a lot of time with Chetten and Chechy in US and here in India lots of loving memories. I am unable to put them all down.Now they both have reached the Heavenly home . Let them have eternal rest with the Heavenly Father.with lots of love and prayers Annamma
Fond Remembrance of Chackappan Chettan. We had the privilege to attend his daughters wedding in Wichita Kansas and memorable time with the family and relatives. Eternal Rest Grant to him 🙏🏻
Dear Lizzieammai and family , Heartfelt condolences. May God give you all the strength to bear this loss. I have seen and met Chakapachachen only a few times during his visit to India . He always had a warm smile and looked cool in T shirt and shorts . He was the first doctor in our big Kannampilly family and was instrumental in building a great medical team in L. F HOSPITAL , Angamaly, Kerala . Heard from my aunt Annammai that he and Vakkachachen would work as a team in the operation theatre. I was surprised to hear that he would administer the Anesthesia( as there was no Anesthestist in those days of 1960’s ). That proves that he was bold and took risks for the benefit of the patients . As chief of staff he recruited the best doctors and made L F Hospital famous . It must have taken courage to resign from this post and go to United States. To continue further studies and to get a Urology post graduate degree in America is a big achievement . I am sure he must be in Heaven with the rest of departed siblings in Kannampilly family. May his soul rest in peace. Prayers and love Pippy Dr Philip K Thomas
We have some many cherished memories of our dearest Chachappachachen. He was like our special uncle though we see him rarely he was ever present in all the stories shared… he was so calm and cheerful. We pray for all of you in this difficult times but know that he is in a better place with the Lord. Love always Thomas, Roshini, Chacko and Kochu
I have very fond memories of my godfather, Chackappachachen. I remember visiting him in Kansas one summer. I had such a nice time eating Lizzie Ammai’s yummy cooking with him, and playing a match of tennis. Even when I wasn’t in Kansas, he was always so welcoming and caring on every phone call, always asking me when I would be back in Kansas. When he came to visit us in California, I remember walking through the Stanford campus with him and trying Burmese food. I am so grateful for all the wonderful memories I have with Chackappachachen, and I will miss him dearly.