John Paul Kent, Sr.

Longtime Walla Walla resident, John P. Kent Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. He was 78 years old.John was born to Omer J. Kent and Helen Grote Kent on April 10, 1935, in Walla Walla. He attended Green Park Elementary, St. Patrick's and Walla Walla High School, and graduated from Columbia Prep High School in Portland, in 1953. He then attended the University of Washington, (Go Dawgs), graduating in 1957.John returned home to Walla Walla and began farming with his father on the family wheat farm. In 1961, he married Virginia Nelson and together they had three sons. They raised their boys on the farm and created a business partnership that exists to this day.John was an avid fan of sports and a longtime supporter of Husky athletics, particularly his beloved Husky Football team, a passion shared by the whole family. John also was a great lover of food and restaurants. He often found himself in a restaurant kitchen asking many questions of the chef.John is survived by his wife, Virginia; and his three sons and their wives, John P. Kent, Jr. (Elaine), James P. Kent (Lisa) and Joseph P. Kent (Eleanor); and five grandchildren, Benjamin and Corey Harter, Jackson P. Kent, Olivia Kent and Nyla Rose Kent.The viewing and visitation will be Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 3 p.m. until after the Rosary at the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder. The Rosary will be at 5 p.m. also at the funeral home. The funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church on Monday, June 3, 2013, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to DeSales High School Booster Club, Walla Walla Catholic Schools, WWCS Endowment Association through the funeral home.