Kent Winn

(From Parker Mortuary)

After a brief illness and a well fought battle, Kent was called home, with family by his side on January 8, 2025 at Freeman Hospital, just 4 days before his 80th birthday.

He was born in Kansas City, KS on January 12, 1945 to Rupert and Hazel (Mourning) Winn. Growing up, his parents were involved in Morning Grange, where he and his sister were members as well. He remained a member throughout his life. He graduated from Spring Hill High School in 1964, married and had two sons. That marriage ended in divorce.

Having grown up around heavy equipment and machinery learning the same trade as his father and grandfather, he gained a strong work ethic. He joined the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 101 in Kansas City, MO in August of 1964, where he became a heavy equipment mechanic and operator, working most of his union life for Bennett Construction in Kansas City. Proud to be in the Union for 60 years.

He married Denise Divine on July 9, 1994 in Paola, KS where they resided until he retired in 2001 and moved to Grove, OK to live on Grand Lake. He decided that fishing really wasn’t his thing and began driving a dump truck for a friend. He really enjoyed driving, it took him all around the Grand Lake area meeting people.

Kent never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with everyone. They joined the Grand Lake Sail and Power Squadron right after moving to the lake and cherish the numerous friends they made from all over Oklahoma and Arkansas.

After moving off the lake, Kent built a woodworking shop where he spent a lot of time just tinkering, building things and stopping to watch a little Gunsmoke on TV. He built numerous items ranging from beautiful boxes to rocking chairs for family and friends. After his health began failing, it was time to move to the Joplin area to be closer to the doctors. And as he would famously remark, “That’s all I got to say”.

Preceding him in death are his parents and a son, Kenny Winn. Survivors include his wife, Denise Winn of the home, son Keith (Kristy) Winn of Olathe, KS, daughter-in-law Molly Winn of Pleasanton, KS, sister Janie Emberton, Gardner, KS, seven grandchildren, Joe (Nadia) Winn, Christina (Mike) McCoy, James (Molly) Winn, Jessica (Terry) Adams, Kody Winn, Kelsey Winn and Kyle Winn, eight great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers are Keith Winn, Kyle Winn, Dan Divine, Duke Divine, Josh Still and Matt Flattem, with honorary pallbearer Jim Chastain.

Services are entrusted to Parker Mortuary, 1502 S Joplin Ave, Joplin, MO. Visitation will be on January 15, from 12 to 2 pm and graveside services will follow at 3 pm at Greenlawn Cemetery in rural Cherokee County, KS. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Morning Grange 227, c/o Lawrence McPherson, 9807 W 61, Merriam, KS 66203.