Ralph Wilber Kent, Jr., age 79, of Joplin, passed away on August 15, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.
Ralph was born on September 29, 1937 in Hastings, Ne., the son of the late Ralph Wilber Kent, Sr. and Audrey Lula (Blunt) Kent. He served his country in the United States Air Force for twenty years as a flight engineer on a C-130. He served seven tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following retirement from the Air Force, he worked as the automotive service manager for Montgomery Ward, Firestone and Wal-Mart. He later sold real estate for Charles Burt Realty.
Ralph married Patti Stripling on December 17, 1977 in Joplin. Together they raised six sons. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing and was a longtime member of the Southwest Missouri Bass Club.
He is survived by his wife of almost forty years, Patti Kent, Joplin; five sons, Tom Kent and wife Donna, Webb City, Mo, Tim Kent, Joplin, Jim Kent and wife Sherrey, Webb City, Mo., Chris Kent and wife Lisa, Joplin; and Travis Ellis and wife Dana, Nevada, Mo.; fourteen grandchildren, Jason Kent, Briana Smith, Ryan Kent, Kirstyn Kent, Nicole Kent, Sarah Kent, Chloe Kent, Zach Ellis, McKinley Ellis, Cole Ellis, Matt Kent, Jesse Kent, Jake Kent, Mason Kent; eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Mike Kent in 1995; and three brothers, Gary, Terry, and Norman Kent.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Randy Wilson, Minister, will officiate. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation immediately following the service.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans in care of the Mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
No comments:
Post a Comment