Dr. Jacob P. Rayapati, 78, of Moline, IL, formerly of West Chester, PA, died November 9, 2014, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA.

A professor of English language and literature, Jacob first studied at Andhra University in his native India before earning his Ph.D. in American Literature at the University of Pennsylvania in 1970. From then until his retirement in 2005, he taught at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and served as chair of the Department of Communications and Modern Languages. Throughout his career he wrote and spoke about the importance of intercultural communication and developed many courses in linguistics and literature. His interest in language led him to learn many with a specific emphasis in later years on Native American languages and wisdom stories. He enjoyed several appointments as visiting professor in China, Kuwait, and India.

Jacob was proud to be a fifth-generation Lutheran from India, born to a Lutheran pastor and his wife, the Rev. John and Laura Kondalarayala Rayapati. He was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, PA, for over 30 years and later at First Lutheran Church in Moline, IL, where he served as a communion assistant and often led and participated in adult forums with a special interest in global missions as well as ecumenical and interfaith dialogues. Jacob deeply believed in the uniqueness and value of each individual as a child of God, living out that belief by volunteering in literacy programs through his church and community. In addition to these activities, he was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America and Toastmasters International, receiving several honors and awards from each organization.

Jacob will be remembered with love by his wife, Karen Rayapati; son, Prashant John Rayapati, and daughter-in-law, Nanette, of Monticello, IL; daughter, Sangeetha Ann Rayapati, and son-in-law, Michael Zemek, of Moline, IL; four grandchildren, Jacob "Jake" Rayapati, and Annika, Karenna, and Linnea Zemek; two sisters, Uma Saketi and Girija Augustine Bonam, Hyderabad, India, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Laura Rayapati, brother, Paul Devaraj Rayapati, and son, Anand William Rayapati.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Moline, the Rev. Daniel Witkowski officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church, and guests are invited to greet the family following the service in the church fellowship hall. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Lutheran World Relief (www.lwr.org) or to First Lutheran Church, Moline.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.