Kent J. Longenecker

Kent James Longenecker, age 77, died February 14, 2026, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born July 2, 1948, in Joplin, MO, son to Jack Edwin and Janet Karen (McBeath) Longenecker. Kent graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1966, and the University of Kansas in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism.

Kent was committed to his loving family and a dear friend and mentor to many. He enjoyed music, art, golf, sports, laughter and companionship. Kent consistently showed up for others and for his community. He was a lifelong learner with a developed expertise in diverse areas of finance and business. Kent gave generously of his time to numerous organizations.

Kent built his career in the banking and financial services industry. He was the Chief Operating Officer at Data Center Inc. and prior to that was a Loan Officer at First National Bank of Hutchinson. Kent served as Director and Member of Executive Committee for Railroad Financial Corporation and Railroad Savings Bank. More recently he acted as the General Manager for JML Ventures LP. Contributing to his community, Kent provided guidance in his role as Trustee for the James A. & Juliet L. Davis Foundation, the Delos V. Smith Senior Citizen Foundation, the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation and the Cosmosphere Foundation. Kent played an active role as a Board Member and Foundation member for the Hutchinson Historic Fox Theatre and a Board Member and Club Treasurer for Prairie Dunes Country Club. He served as a Director for the Homeowners Association Board of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado and as an Advisory Director for Fee Insurance Group.

On July 29, 1972 Kent married Diane Meyer at Grace Episcopal Church, Hutchinson. Kent is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Diane Longenecker of Hutchinson and his children, Graham Longenecker of Overland Park, KS, Kristin Glascock (John-Paul) of Laguna Beach, CA, and Karen Longenecker (Dax Samuel Chitechi) of Denver, CO; his brother Bruce Longenecker (Jan) of Pauma Valley, CA and his sister Dr. Betsy Longenecker (Dr. Dave Dietel) of Grand Junction, CO; his grandsons, Liam Kent Glascock and Gilbert Micah Kent Chitechi; his nephews, Scott Dietel, and Jack Dietel (Kendra Baughn); and his nieces, Lisa Longenecker, and Kim Hanson (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 2 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 2 Hyde Park Drive, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the James A. & Juliet L. Davis Foundation, Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City, and Grace Episcopal Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

To view Kent's service, click the following link, the day of the service: https://www.youtube.com/@graceepiscopalchurch4312/live