Robert Mark Ballantyne

Robert Mark Ballantyne, 62, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on August 3, 2015. Mark was born on June 23, 1953, in Princeton, Missouri, to Robert and Nadine Ballantyne. His childhood years were spent in Unionville, Missouri, and he graduated from Unionville High School as Valedictorian of his class. Mark married Dianne Schoff on April 7, 1979, and he and Dianne were blessed with two children, David Mark and Lyndsay Dianne. Mark attended college at the University of Missouri in Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and later earned a Master’s degree in science education from MU. He taught biology and chemistry at Lee's Summit High School and Lee's Summit North for twenty-nine years. After retiring from public education, Mark taught chemistry and anatomy/physiology at Center Place Restoration School for eight years before retiring a second time. Mark was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at age eight and was a lifelong member, currently attending the South Crysler Restoration Branch. He was called to the priesthood as a deacon while in high school and in later years served as a priest and then an elder. Mark's heritage in the priesthood spanned five generations and serving the Lord was his passion in life. He formerly served as pastor, was a member of the Council of Elders, sang in the church choir, was president of the Latin American Missions Board, and made a missionary trip to Honduras, as well as serving in many other capacities through the years. Mark is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children, David and Lyndsay; one grandchild, Colton; his mother, Nadine; two brothers, Winn and wife Marilyn, and Drew and wife Michelle; and a host of other family members and friends. Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 6, 2015 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055 with visitation proceeding from 1:00 p.m., until service time Thursday at the chapel. Burial will be in Mound Grove Cemetery. Donations may be made to LAMB (Latin American Missions Board) 2500 S. Seminole Dr., Independence, MO 64057. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)