Richard Kent

Richard (Dick) Kent, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 18, 2025, at his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was a joyful, full-of-ideas kind of guy who wholeheartedly loved the Lord, his family and all his friends. He will be dearly missed.

Dick was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Clifford and Helen Kent on October 20, 1945. Shortly after high school he was drafted into the army and served our nation in the Vietnam war. After returning home he diligently searched for God and truth. He never guessed it would be Jesus Christ. Dick gave his heart to the Lord in 1973. Shortly after, while living in Sault Ste Marie, he met Carol Venn. They married in 1975.

In 1980 Dick and Carol moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where they raised their four awesome children. Some of the family’s favorite memories were made during their annual summer camping trips and time spent at Grandma Kent’s house on Sundays and holidays. Dick and Carol were grateful that each of their children married wonderful spouses and blessed them with 9 delightful grandchildren.

Teresa (Matt) Sofia, Eli, and Mercedes Vollmar

Marilee (Bill) Micah and Aleeya Menser

Caleb (Karman) Maeve and Lynley Kent

Crystal (Aaron) Caroline and Annalise Visser

Dick’s creativity flourished in his later years. He returned to his roots as a lumberjack creating and selling the cool things he made from his lumber. For Dick, creating was never just a project; it was a way to work hand in hand with his Heavenly Father.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marie. Dick’s stories live on with his wife, sister Kathy, children, grandchildren, and dear friends.

Visit with family and friends on Wednesday, June 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Agape Christian Church 609 Cherokee St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 followed by a luncheon with time to share. Military honors will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. (please arrive at Ft. Custer at 1:45 to line up in the Assembly Area).

While visiting Dick’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.