Kenneth Dale Kent, 82, of Allegan, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018, at his home surrounded by family. Born Nov. 8, 1935, in Watson Township, he was the son of the late Jerold Andrew and Geneva Naomi (Pike) Kent and was the husband of Marilyn Deen (Buys) Kent.
Ken graduated from Allegan High School in 1954 as Senior Class President and started work at Rockwell International. After being laid off from Rockwell, he went to work at the United States Postal Service as a city carrier and eventually retired as the Assistant Postmaster.
There wasn’t a time, though, when Ken wasn’t working and he could not tolerate just sitting around. He had many part time jobs and served 13 years with the Allegan Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy.
Eventually, Ken went back to being a courier, this time for Allegan Public Schools where he would deliver mail from school to school. He was a member of First Congregational Church in Allegan where he served as a deacon.
Ken was a Boy Scout leader for 13 years; enjoyed hunting with the Pink Panthers group; spent many days camping with his friends, the Allegan Camp-a-gins; and loved to go trout fishing. He bowled in several leagues, participated in competition archery and even dabbled in playing a little golf. Though always busying himself with work and hobbies, Ken still found the time to marry and raise a family.
Along with his wife of 62 years, Marilyn, he is survived by his children, Kenneth D. (Lori) Kent, Timothy A. Kent, Sheryl (Michael) Cooper, Steven M. (Lisa) Kent and Randy M. Kent; 14 grandchildren, Nicole, Andrew, Jeffrey, Donovan, Rachel, Sarah, Jerry, Trever, Chad, Kailey, Catlin, Justin, Kyle and Brandilyn; 11 great-grandchildren; a nephew, Phil (Jan) Siegler; and several cousins.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sister Barbara Kent.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 25, at Gorden Funeral Residence from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be Thursday, July 26, at the funeral home at 11 a.m. with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Hicks Cemetery, Watson Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or First Congregational Church.
Assisting the family with arrangements is Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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