Thomas "Tommy" Kent

Funeral services for Tommy Kent, 85, of Portales will be held at 10:00 AM, Thurs., Aug. 21, 2025 at the University Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Smith officiating, assisted by Timothy Smith. Burial will be in the Portales Cemetery with Tim Wyatt, Teegan Terry, Braden Terry, Timothy Smith, Ben Armand and Harlin Stobb serving as pallbearers. Mark Kent, Michael Terry, Dan McNally, Derrell Burgin and Mike Burgin will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Sharon Martinez for her tender care for Tommy in his last few days.
Thomas Marklin Kent (Tommy) was born April 23, 1940 in Sweetwater Texas to the home of Alton and Mary (Welch) Kent. They moved to Floyd, NM when he was nine years old. He farmed with his father and enjoyed tormenting his older sister Sherry and younger sister, Sally.
When Tommy was 15, he met his future wife, Kathryn Powers. At the age of 17 they were married on December 21, 1957, and Tommy went on to graduate from Floyd High School in May 1958.
On September 3rd ,1959, they welcomed their first child, Karen Diane Kent. Then on April 23, 1962 their son, Thomas Marklin, Jr arrived. Kristie Suzanne completed their family on September 14, 1970.
Tommy spent 29 years working at the Portales Post Office in various positions. Tommy did everything from walking routes, to sorting mail, to working the front desk, and even served as Assistant Postmaster. His most favorite was in the lobby because he got to do one of his favorite things – talk to people. He excelled at that. He had been a Deacon at University Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He served on the Portales City Council, and also served on the Eastern Plains Council of Government.
He was able to retire from the Post Office in September of 1992. He then began another life as a driver for the Teague/Strebeck and Hamilton car lots. That continued until Kathryn's declining health needed his attention.
Tommy enjoyed doing woodworking projects, and made countless cutting boards for family and friends. He also had a nice collection of model cars that he had built through the years. For several years he also collected stamps and coins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Mary, his dear sisters Sherry and Sally, a son-in-law, Michael Wyatt, his first wife Kathryn, who died September.28, 2016. After Kathryn's passing, he found Karen Sanders at church and made her his faithful companion/spouse on August 28, 2017. They enjoyed the last years of their life together until her passing on August 6, 2025. He said God blessed him with two beautiful and faithful wives.
Tommy is survived by his children: Karen Wyatt of Amarillo, Texas, Thomas Marklin "Mark" Kent, Jr.Mark and Jerri Kent of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Kristie and Michael Terry of Portales. He is also survived by his "bonus" stepchildren, Mike and Annie Burgin of Aztec, NM, Derrell and Nichole Burgin of Edgewood, NM, LeeAnne and Dan McNally of Anna, Texas, and Sherry Sanders and companion Argyle of Spokane, WA.
He was Papa to six grandchildren, Tim Wyatt, Janelle (Josh) Hardie, Jena (Brian) Dornan, and Teegan, Braden and Micah Terry; and ten great-grandkids from his first marriage, as well as five grands, Konner and Makenzie Burgin, Kylie Henson, Miranda Twichell and Emery McNally; and 2 great-grands from his second marriage.
He had a very wonderful and full life. He was blessed with a lot of people who loved him. A lot more people were blessed by him being in their lives.