Kevin James Straley was called home to Heaven on July 13, 2023 on his 73rd birthday.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, Kevin graduated from Sexton High School in 1968. He attended Lansing Community College before transferring to Bryan College (Dayton, TN) where he earned a degree in Biblical Studies in 1972. Following graduation, Kevin entered Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, IN) the following fall.
Kevin’s interests turned to funeral service following the death of his father. By 1974, he had earned a bachelor of science degree and later completed a master’s degree in higher education at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale).
From 1977 - 1984, Kevin was an instructor in the School of Technical Careers at SIU where he taught mortuary science and conducted grief seminars for the community He managed a funeral home in Mason, Michigan from 1985-87. After Kevin developed polycystic kidney disease, he was no longer able to continue working in funeral service. Eventually, Kevin and family relocated to Wilmington, Delaware in 1987 where he worked for Artcraft Upholstery until he retired in 2019.
From his youth, Kevin was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ thanks to his many mentors who poured into his life at a young age. He took an active role in church wherever he was living. In addition to serving on Deacon and Elder Boards, he taught adult Sunday School classes and facilitated Small Group Bible Studies. At the time of his death, Kevin was a member of Brandywine Valley Church.
Kevin loved reading, exercising, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He was a good listener and enjoyed discussions. His own health issues and a kidney transplant in 2008 gave him a deeper perspective on the true value of life. Kevin was forever grateful to The Gift of Life Program and the family of his donor. He did not take one day of his life for granted.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Ardis G. (Burns) and Martin L. Straley. His sister, Kris Anna Dunlap, Sister-in-law, Kerry Quigley, and his brother-in-law, Edwin Quigley.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Quigley Straley and daughter, Rachel Scatasti (Brian) of Wilmington; brother, Kirk E. Straley (Sandy)
(Lansing, MI); brother-in-law ,John F. Quigley, Jr. (Susan) (Hudson,FL) and Mary Weber, sister- in- law (Furlong, PA). Kevin is also survived by his Uncle Lewis and Aunt Judy Perkins (Stanton, MI) and his Aunt Vonta Palframan (Greenville, MI). Surviving cousins include: Brian Burns, Diane Lehman, John and Cheryl Zinski, Pam Dish, Brian Brasington, Kim, Scott and Ted Perkins.
In addition, he is survived by four nieces: Erin Quigley, Stephanie Holt, Jennifer Cannon, and Melanie Watkins. He leaves behind two nephews: John F. Quigley III and Brendan C. Quigley as well as eight great nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Monday, July 31 beginning at 6:30 pm at Brandywine Valley Church, 7 Mt. Lebanon Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803 where a memorial service will be held at 7 pm. The interment will take place privately.
Kevin’s family would like to thank all of those who cared for Kevin during his long and difficult health journey. Your professionalism and care made his journey much more manageable for all of us who loved him. We are forever in your debt for your kindness and compassion. You were our angels!
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the “Love in Action” Fund at Brandywine Valley Church or the HealthWell Foundation. Both provide financial help for those in need. HealthWell Foundation provides grants to cancer patients who can not afford treatment. To view the slideshow presentation click the following link. https://videos.lifetributes.com/1278865
