David William Kent

David William Kent, 85, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Born October 30, 1940, in Montclair, New Jersey, to George and Selma Kent, David always claimed growin' up in Joisey gave him that extra grit in life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of many years, Renate; brothers John and Ronald; sister Barbara; and daughter Lynn.
David proudly served four years in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, a role that launched a lifelong career in aviation maintenance.
When he wasn't working, you could find him behind home plate umpiring baseball-yes, he actually worked a Little League World Series. He also coached semi pro baseball, collected an absurd number of watches, and played checkers with the quiet confidence of a man who knew he was about to jump your last three kings and there wasn't a thing you could do about it.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Ronald(Trisha), Paul (Sabine), and David (Patty); six grandchildren: Alex, Mitchell, Amy, Mitchel, Svenya, and Hannah; and one great-grandson, Damian.
A private family celebration will be held this summer at Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington State-likely involving checkers, baseball stories, and someone trying to figure out which of David's watches is actually worth something. Until then, heaven's newest umpire is calling them like he sees them.
Rest in peace, Dave. You called a good game.