Kent E. Crippin

1936 - 2024

Kent E. Crippin

November 14, 1936 - April 8, 2024

Lenexa, Kansas - Kent E. Crippin peacefully went to his Lord the morning of April 8th surrounded by his children, Jeffrey, Crissie, and Todd.

Kent married Christine Ruf Crippin (who preceded him in death) nearly 67 blissful years ago at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Kent and Christine enjoyed their years together raising three children, traveling, and serving the community in many ways.

Kent served as Mayor of Leawood (1979-1985), Johnson County Commissioner (1985-1990), Chair of the Johnson County Council of Mayors, and President of the Kansas League of Municipalities. In addition to his civic duties, Kent served on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, Chair of the Foundation Board for Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Board of Trustees for AdventHealth, Board of Trustees for Rockhurst High School, and Board Chair of Notre Dame de Sion. He was also a recipient of the 2011 Richard V. Edmonds Award for exemplary volunteer service to the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center. Kent was a devoted servant to the communities in which he worked.

He knew Christ and was active in the Catholic community with giving of his time to Catholic Charities, Notre Dame de Sion, Rockhurst High School, and the University of Notre Dame. Kent and Christine understood the power of prayer, the importance of a church community, and the blessings of Christ which they bestowed upon their family. Their children have followed in their parents' footsteps communicating and spreading God's love to their children, friends, and all those who seek the Lord.

Kent graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in landscape architecture. This degree helped define his love for nature and the development of the Leawood Tomahawk Creek Greenway in 1982. This same love and his love of golf led him to consult on the building of various golf courses, including Drumm Farm and Hallbrook Country Club, where he was a founding member and President of the club from 1991-1992. One of Kent's most generous gifts was the gift he and Christine made to the B.E. Smith Family Center at AdventHealth of a bronze Jesus and children statue entitled "Come Unto Me."

Kent enjoyed his family as they traveled to the University of Notre Dame for football weekends watching Jeff, being with Crissie at KU for Dad's Weekend at the Theta house and the drives to Vanderbilt to see Todd in his theatre roles.

All will miss Kent's wit and wisdom. He is survived by his children Jeff (Nancy), Crissie Kerns (Mitch) and Todd (Renee), his six beautiful grandchildren Sarah, Kyle, Katie, Audrey, Scott, and Claire.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Christine Ruf Crippin and his parents, Charlie and Ann Crippin.

The visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Cure of Ars Church, 9405 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm at Lakeview Village Southridge, 14001 W. 92nd Street, Lenexa, KS.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas (9720 W. 89th Street, Overland Park, KS, 66212) in honor of Kent Crippin.