Kenneth D. Whiteside

Kenneth D. Whiteside, a cherished member of the St. Louis community, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on September 18, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kenneth touched the lives of many through his varied career and generous spirit.

Kenneth's professional journey began as an attorney after he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri at Columbia, following a Bachelor's degree in political science from UMSL. His commitment to education later led him to become a respected teacher, instructing paralegal studies at St. Louis Community College, St. Charles Community College, and Hickey College. Most recently, he shared his knowledge by teaching general education at Midwest Institute, positively influencing the lives of countless students along the way.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kenneth had a profound love for music. He created a welcoming space in his home for house concerts, supporting local musicians and becoming close friends with many in the St. Louis music scene. His passion for arts extended into his personal life, where he enjoyed engaging with a diverse array of people, always bringing his fun-loving, talkative, and kind-hearted personality to every interaction.

Kenneth was also an avid sports enthusiast. In his youth, he played tennis and later dedicated his time to coaching baseball for teens, further demonstrating his belief in the importance of community involvement. He fondly remembered this dedication, feeling proud of not just the athletes he coached, but the values he instilled in them.

One of his proudest accomplishments was founding the SALT corporation, an initiative that supported an orphanage in Haiti. He also created Wild Mousse Confections as a means to raise funds for the orphanage, displaying his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

He is survived by his brother, Michael (Becky) Whiteside; his sister, Linda (Phill Yocum) DeRienzo; his life partner, Nancy Ide; and his grandsons, Charlie Crank-Ide and Louis Crank-Ide. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, David Whiteside; his mother, Mabel Whiteside; and his brother, Gregory Dean Whiteside.

Kenneth will be remembered for his generous heart, his jovial spirit, and his extraordinary contributions to both his community and the lives of those around him. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters, located at 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kenneth's honor to The ALS Association.

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