(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)
July 25th, 1934- January 2nd, 2026
Charles was a husband, father, grandfather, and, above all, a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus. Born and raised in Garnett, KS, he went on to serve in the US Air Force from 1952-1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Ann, in 1953, and together they had 6 children. In 1960, he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from John Brown University, the highest-ranking engineering student in his class.
Inspired by the events of Operation Auca, Charles and Ann went to Brazil as missionaries in 1964. In a time when overseas communication was limited to letters and telegrams, Charles and Ann bravely moved, with their four small daughters, to an unknown place.
“Grampy”, as he is known to his 14 grandchildren, 8 grandchildren-in-law, and 16 great-grandchildren, will be remembered for his lifelong curiosity, his ability to fix anything, and his example as a servant of Christ. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Ruby Kent, ten siblings, and son-in-law Wally Bontrager
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Ann Kent, his children Audrey (Larry) Bowden, Lynne Bontrager, Jody (John) McGuire, Beth (Keith) Enger, Curtis (Danna) Kent, Leah (John) Blankenship and their families, and many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
A memorial service for Charles will be held at College Heights Christian Church Chapel, Friday, January 9th, at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to God’s Resort or New Heights Christian Academy.
Charles was a husband, father, grandfather, and, above all, a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus. Born and raised in Garnett, KS, he went on to serve in the US Air Force from 1952-1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Ann, in 1953, and together they had 6 children. In 1960, he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from John Brown University, the highest-ranking engineering student in his class.
Inspired by the events of Operation Auca, Charles and Ann went to Brazil as missionaries in 1964. In a time when overseas communication was limited to letters and telegrams, Charles and Ann bravely moved, with their four small daughters, to an unknown place.
Fully embracing their new life in Brazil, they enrolled their children in the local schools, learned to speak Portuguese, and faithfully served their communities in Goiania and Taguatinga for 11 years. Charles helped advance the gospel in a variety of hands-on roles, including serving as director for a Christian publishing company, and a Christian camp. Charles’ legacy and impact is felt by his many Brazilian friends, who would love to be here if they could.
Charles and his family returned stateside in 1975, settling in the Joplin area. Having worked for Allgeier & Martin before his move to Brazil, Charles returned to his job as an electrical engineer and worked for the company until his retirement in 1997. Charles was an active member of College Heights Christian Church, and later, First Christian Church of Webb City. His calm presence, wisdom, and integrity have impacted and encouraged countless brothers and sisters in Christ.
Charles and his family returned stateside in 1975, settling in the Joplin area. Having worked for Allgeier & Martin before his move to Brazil, Charles returned to his job as an electrical engineer and worked for the company until his retirement in 1997. Charles was an active member of College Heights Christian Church, and later, First Christian Church of Webb City. His calm presence, wisdom, and integrity have impacted and encouraged countless brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Grampy”, as he is known to his 14 grandchildren, 8 grandchildren-in-law, and 16 great-grandchildren, will be remembered for his lifelong curiosity, his ability to fix anything, and his example as a servant of Christ. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Ruby Kent, ten siblings, and son-in-law Wally Bontrager
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Ann Kent, his children Audrey (Larry) Bowden, Lynne Bontrager, Jody (John) McGuire, Beth (Keith) Enger, Curtis (Danna) Kent, Leah (John) Blankenship and their families, and many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
A memorial service for Charles will be held at College Heights Christian Church Chapel, Friday, January 9th, at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to God’s Resort or New Heights Christian Academy.
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