Mr. David Marlin Balentine, 87 of Murray, KY, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 30, 1938, in Golden Pond, KY, David was son of the late Rev. Audie Balentine and Florence (Askew) Balentine. Growing up “between the rivers” was an endless source of storytelling material, as was his time in law enforcement. He loved nothing more than sharing those stories with others, including the men of the Martha’s Breakfast Club, with whom he enjoyed having breakfast most every morning. David was also a Kentucky Colonel and a third-degree Mason, having been a member of the Golden Pond and Hardin Lodges.
David proudly served Calloway County as Deputy Sheriff from 1974 to 1982, then as Sheriff from 1982 to 1986. He later retired after many years of service with the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet. Not being one to sit still, David spent countless hours in his shop repairing lawnmowers. If he wasn’t repairing them, he was riding them—keeping his lawn in perfect condition and even mowing neighborhood yards if they grew taller than he thought they should. After retirement, David also worked for Imes-Miller Funeral Home and, most recently, for Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home as a funeral assistant. His warm smile and kind greetings at the front door will be missed by all.
Those left to cherish wonderful memories of David include his loving wife of 34 years, Gayle (Payne) Balentine; and step-daughters, Angel (Dan) Renick and Melissa (Barry) Layton, all of Murray. David’s greatest joy was being “Pop” to his precious grandchildren, Will (Vivian) Layton, Katherine (Jack) Hanes, Audrey Renick, Olivia Layton, Chase Renick, and Thomas Renick; and great-grandchildren, Henry Hanes, Charlie Hanes, Mary Katherine Hanes, and Crawford Layton. He is also survived by a sister, Alice (Homer) McCoy of Murray; and brothers, Rev. Elijah Balentine of Dexter, and Jerry Balentine of Indianapolis, IN; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by siblings, Ralph Balentine, Flora Mae Higgins, Dorothy Baker, Thomas Balentine, Helen Litchfield, Velie Eads, William Balentine, and Margie Nell Balentine.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, in the chapel of Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Bro. Brett Miles and Bro. Steve Phillips officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service in the Murray Memorial Gardens.
Friends may visit with the family after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, until the 1:00 p.m. service time, at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Murray WATCH, 702 Main St., Murray, KY 42071.
We at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services have had the pleasure of calling David a dear friend for many years, and a trusted co-worker for the last four. He will be sorely missed by us all. It has been an honor and a privilege to care for David and the Balentine family during this time.
Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
The Calloway County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement regarding the passing of Mr. Balentine:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Calloway County Sheriff David Balentine. Sheriff Balentine began his dedicated service to the people of Calloway County in 1974 and went on to serve as Sheriff from 1982 to 1986.
Throughout his years in law enforcement, he was known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. His legacy of service and dedication will not be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Thank you, Sheriff Balentine, for your many years of service to Calloway County.
