Kevin Ray St. John

Kevin Ray St. John, 68, of Sachse, passed away on November 7, 2024, in his home surrounded by loved ones after a 6 year battle with cancer. 

Kevin was born October 21, 1956, in Washington, D.C., to Melvin and Charlotte St. John. His family moved to Wylie in 1959, when Kevin was 3. 

Kevin graduated from Wylie High School in 1975, and attended UT Arlington and Richland College, while always working.

Kevin married Pam Davis on October 28, 1978, at First Baptist Church in Wylie, with Dr. Al Draper officiating. Kevin met Pam in the 2nd grade and they were high school sweethearts. Pam graduated from Baylor on Wednesday and they were married the following Saturday. They made their home in Wylie, Texas where they welcomed their three children, Ryan, Katy, and Drew. In 2003, they moved to Sachse, Texas. 

Kevin started attending First Baptist Church in Wylie with Pam during their high school dating days and that is when he came to know the Lord and was soon baptized by Dr. Al Draper. He was a faithful volunteer at that church in many areas and was ordained as a deacon in 2002. He began helping Pam teach kindergarten Sunday school, but soon realized he enjoyed youth work. He taught high school senior boys, manned the donut table, hosted Disciple Now, grilled many a burger for fundraisers, and was always willing to drive the church bus to any activity.

Kevin first worked for his dad at St. John Custom Homes learning about the construction industry. He eventually bought Rushin Truss Company. Kevin had a great work ethic from a young age that remained throughout his life. This helped him become a successful business owner. He loved working with both of his sons, Ryan and Drew. He truly loved his job and his customers, and he especially enjoyed taking customers to lunch. His career was cut short when he suffered a massive stroke in 2015. His hard work and determination continued though, as he worked to regain his ability to walk, speak, and live life again. Life was never the same after the stroke, but he was a walking miracle. 

Not only did Kevin work hard, but he played hard too. Before Kevin was 18 he had traveled with his family to all 48 contiguous states and many European countries making many memories along the way. Traveling was always a big part of his life. From weekend getaways with other families, trips to the lake, road trips to Yellowstone and NYC, skiing trips or cruises, Kevin was always ready to go! The St. John family began taking cruises in 2000 and it quickly became a favorite pastime. Kevin and Pam went on over 25 cruises, with the last two before his stroke to Alaska and Hawaii. After the stroke, cruising was one of the things he could still truly enjoy. He met other stroke survivors through a wonderful support group called ARC (Aphasia Recovery Connection) on these annual cruises. Pam and Kevin now have stroke survivor friends from all over the USA and Canada.

If you knew Kevin at all, you knew he was a big “Car Guy”. He has always loved cars. He purchased his first vintage hot rod in 1994, a 1965 Chevy Impala, which then turned into buying, selling, and traveling across the country to pick up something new. From the ’55 Black Belair to the Blue ’32 Ford Roadster to Corvettes and Hummers and even a Unimog and many others, Kevin loved them all and kept everyone guessing as to what he would be driving next. He ended up with his most loved ’54 Chevy Woody Wagon. He took his vintage cars on the Hot Rod Power Tour, a cross-country caravan of classic car enthusiasts. Kevin, his sons, and his friend Elvin had many stories to tell of all the miles traveled together and the many friends made along the way. 

Known for his generous spirit, Kevin never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Whether assisting a person with a flat tire, pulling out a car stuck in the ice or snow or even helping a slow turtle across the road (yes, he often did that), he would go out of his way to help others. Kevin had a great sense of humor and always loved to tell a joke. He could engage in conversations with anyone, even strangers and always seemed to have a clever remark, putting a smile on their face. Of course, after his stroke, most of these qualities were taken from him. Although speaking became difficult these last almost 10 years, Kevin never had a problem saying the words, “I love you” to all his family. Those words just seemed to flow out of his mouth with ease. 

Kevin’s legacy of kindness, humor, and compassion will continue to inspire and uplift those who carry his memory in their hearts. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. 

Kevin is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pam St. John; children, Ryan and Ashley St. John, Katy and Matt Link, Drew and Marissa St. John; grandchildren, Carson St. John, Pearson, Nash and Collins Link; mother, Charlotte Conn; mother-in-law, Mary Davis; brother, Mikel St. John and wife Liz, brothers-in-law, Lawrence Davis and wife Phyllis, Richard Davis and wife Marshella and 10 nieces and nephews.

Kevin is preceded in death by his father, Melvin St. John; brother, Ricky St. John; granddaughter, Olivia St. John and father-in-law, Bill F. Davis. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home 2343 Gage Road in Lavon, Texas 75166 with Dr. Al Draper and Allen Stroud officiating.