September 8, 1949 – April 28, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles George Cablish, who departed this life on April 28, 2025, at the age of 75 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Charlie was born on September 8, 1949, in Kirkwood, Missouri, to Dorothy and John Cablish. He was a quiet, gentle, and kind man — a loving father and a steadfast husband.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Cablish; his children, Kaitlin Lucas and Chris Cablish; his grandchildren, Charlie Lucas and Charlotte Cablish; his sister, Jeanne Cablish; and his twin brother, Robert Cablish. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents.

Charlie had a distinguished career in information technology, but his heart beat strongest for music and family. Charlie was a highly accomplished drummer, both in pipe band and praise band spheres. He was a founding member and longtime leading drummer of the St. Louis Caledonian Pipe Band since the early 1970s, where his steady beat and even steadier heart and hand were constants throughout the decades.

Charlie was an exceptional leader, instructor, adjudicator, and competitor. In 2008, he was invited to Scotland to assist in preparations for the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band’s entry in the World Pipe Band Championships. Under his leadership, the St. Louis drum corps achieved success across various grades, benefiting from his guidance, consistency, and quiet strength for over 50 years. His legacy will continue to shape and inspire the community he helped build.

Beyond pipe bands, Charlie gave back through local music initiatives, including Kirkwood’s production of “Let it be Christmas.” He was a founding member and seminal contributor to the contemporary praise band at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, and later brought his talent and devotion to Kirkwood United Methodist Church, where he became a vital and cherished member of the worship music team.

Service Information-

May 19th, 2025

A visitation will be held a Kirkwood United Methodist Church at 12:00pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00pm

201 West Adams Ave.

Saint Louis, MO 63122

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the music ministry of KUMC, in honor of Charlie’s enduring contribution to music and worship.

He will be deeply missed — not only as a drummer, husband, father, and grandfather — but as a friend to all who knew him.