Kevin Juan Ballentine, was born on January 2, 1963, to Willie Edward Ballentine and Martha Griswold Ballentine at St. Mary’s Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri. While he was an only child, he was like a brother to many. As a child, he was baptized and gave his life to Christ while attending Christ Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor E.R. Williams.
Kevin attended grade school at Simmons Elementary School and Turner Middle School. As a youth, he enjoyed playing several positions with the undefeated Royal Knights little league football team. As a stellar athlete, he also enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and running track. After his eighth grade graduation, he attended Lutheran North High School. While at Lutheran North, he led the Crusaders to championship victories and was an outstanding athlete. After high school, he attended Missouri Southern in Joplin, Missouri, on an athletic scholarship and later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Missouri St. Louis. After college, Kevin married and later divorced, and to this union, two daughters were born, Brittany and Megan.
Kevin was excellent in connecting with people. His charming personality, friendly smile, and easy way with others made it natural for him to excel in his over 30 year career in sales and development. Kevin was a character, and his fun-loving manner resulted in his many nicknames, especially “Sugar Bear” and “KB”. Kevin embraced them all. Kevin liked nice things and was known for his hat collection and his passion for his lipstick red Corvette. Kevin loved his friends and family. He was a devoted father and supported his daughters in all of their endeavors. He could also be counted on to be present for sporting events, birthdays, weddings, celebrations, and reunions for his extended family and friends. Kevin was a Christian man and was not ashamed to share his testimony and other life challenges. He attributed every victory and blessing to his faith in God.
Kevin entered heaven on Sunday, February 9, 2020. His legacy is cherished and honored by his mother, Martha Griswold Ballentine; two daughters and son-in-law, Brittany Starks (Kevin) and Megan Ballentine; father and stepmother, Edward Ballentine (Martha); godmother, Ceceila Dade-Winfield; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
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