John Herbert Kent, Sr.

John Herbert Kent, Sr., age 69, of Brimfield, went to his heavenly home on February 9, 2025. He was born in Akron, OH, on March 18, 1955, to the late Thomas and Pearl (formerly Norris) Kent.

John worked as a Parts Supervisor for Ohio CAT before his retirement in 2021. He was a faithful member of The Chapel in Akron.

John loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He enjoyed cooking and grilling meals for his family and friends. In his retirement, John volunteered at Camp Carl by preparing and serving meals.

John repaired vehicles for family, friends, and neighbors most of his life as a side job. He probably didn’t plan for it to be a side job for life, but he was still working on cars and repairing motors shortly before the stroke. John also liked the challenge of home projects.

When his sons were in grade school, John was the baseball commissioner in Springfield. John’s love of sports was evident in his later years as a spectator (and private coach) for his grandkids in soccer, softball, and other activities. He and Phyllis enjoyed completing puzzles from places where they had traveled. A fond memory that family has with John was when they gathered in Pigeon Forge, TN, this past Thanksgiving to celebrate together. 

John is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; children, John (Michelle) Kent, Jr. and Aaron (Crista) Kent; brother, Thomas (Betty Fay) Kent; sister, Michele (aka Missy) Kent; step-daughter, Kelly (Mark) Stirewalt; grandchildren, Caden, Camryn, Adelyn, Hartley, Sadie, James, Benaiah, Caleb, and Lydia; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family members. 

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Kent; sister, Pam Gindlesberger; brother, Greg Kent; and step-daughter, Kari Hall. 

Family and friends may visit at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44305) on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. His memorial service will immediately follow the visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (https://www.pwsausa.org/).