Donald Raymond Balentine

1948 – 2023

 

     Donald Raymond Balentine, 74, of Keokuk, IA, died Friday, April 7, 2023 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

     He was born on May 4, 1948 in Mt. Sterling, IL, the son of Eulis and Genevieve (Ferril) Balentine.

     On May 2, 2014, Donald was united in marriage to Victoria Johnson in Kahoka, MO.  She survives.

     He is also survived by two daughters, Belinda Greer and Rhonda Balentine both of Keokuk, two sons, Terry Balentine and Donald Balentine both of Warsaw, IL, one stepdaughter, Tina Washburne of Wayland, MO, two stepsons, Tony Washburn of Nauvoo, IL and Jerry Washburne of the state of Washington, seventeen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and his mother-in-law, Norma Johnson.  Other survivors include two sisters, Betty St. Clair of Kahoka, MO, and Sandra Egley of Wayland, MO, four half-sisters, Mary Mohler, Sharon Salvador, Wanda Balentine and Nancy Balentine, one half-brother, Albert Oswald, one stepsister, Deb Campbell, one stepbrother, Nick Campbell, three sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Genevieve Dawn Balentine and one brother, Terry Balentine.

     Donald had been employed as a bus driver for the Keokuk School District for

thirty-seven years.  During those years he also did janitorial work throughout the district and helped maintain the athletic field at the high school.

     He was a member of the Southside Boat Club in Keokuk.

     Donald enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and a good cold beer.  His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities.

     A Gathering of Remembrance will be held on Friday from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com