Mellow Valued Community, Fiscal Responsibility

A memorial mass will be held late Thursday afternoon in honor of Ken Mellow, a Ballwin alderman and industrial engineer who died Saturday after a long battle with colon cancer.

Mellow worked for Coin Acceptors, Inc. in Clayton since 1978 as an industrial engineer and project manager, in addition to employment at Liberty Foundry. Mellow served as an alderman for the City of Ballwin since 2009.

Prior to his re-election in April, Mellow said he was proud to reside in a city with a high quality of life such as Ballwin, and cited fiscal responsibility as the single most important issue the Board of Aldermen faced. Mellow also said pushing for transparency in government and support of local businesses both were important values that would aid the community.

When asked what characteristics he would bring to the Ballwin Board of Aldermen, Mellow’s passion for life and dedication to local government were readily apparent.

“I believe that we can live better together,” Mellow said. “My infectious enthusiasm and strong work ethic will help to cultivate a unified Ballwin for future generations.”

Mellow also was a reader of classic literature, a barbecue enthusiast and a beloved family man.

When asked shortly before the April elections what his favorite books were, in addition to works by authors such as Miguel de Cervantes and Mark Twain, Mellow reinforced his passions and also displayed a sense of humor.

“Being a man for all seasons, my spring selection is “Peace, Love and BBQ,” by Mike Mills," Mellow said.

In lieu of flowers, family members have asked supporters to consider instead making a donation to the St. Louis BBQ Society, which assists other community organizations raise funds for a variety of causes.

Ken is survived by wife Joyce (Mruzik) Mellow, son Elliot Mellow and sisters Norma Mellow, Joanne Tucker, Carolyn Sweeney and Virginia DeAndrea. Ken is preceded in death by parents Samuel and Adele Jacobs, brothers Donald and Melvin, and sister Doris Warrens.

Mellow’s memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday Aug. 11 at at 627 Dennison Drive in Ballwin.

A remembrance gathering in Mellow’s honor will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 at the at 333 Holloway Road.