Kent Sellars

Kent Eugene Sellars was born on October 23, 1946, in the small town of Smithville, Missouri, to Estol Cozene Sellars and Margie Anna Mindrup Sellars. He was the youngest of four children, and the only sibling born in a hospital. His brother Carl and wife Diane, and sister Judy Anne and husband Mark are his two surviving siblings. His oldest brother Clarence Lee passed on in 2022.

As the son of a United States Air Force serviceman, Kent spent much of his childhood traveling and living in various places, including Texas, Wyoming, Arizona, and even France. During his time abroad, he developed a love for language and became fluent in French, a passion he continued to pursue throughout his college years.

From an early age, Kent had a remarkable love for words and learning. A natural wordsmith, he won a dictionary in a grade school spelling bee-an achievement that perfectly reflected his lifelong curiosity and passion for reading.

Kent attended Glendale High School in Arizona, where he was a dedicated and engaged student. He served as class president for three years, participated in numerous clubs, and was active in both football and track. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Judy Ann Hooks.

In his senior year, Kent received an appointment to the Air Force Academy and dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Although that dream was not realized due to vision limitations, his determination and love of learning never wavered. He went on to attend Arizona State University, then received a track scholarship to Westmont College, and then went to Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned a degree in Animal Sciences. Kent built a successful career in that field and was honored to serve as president of the Southern California Dairy Association while living in the Los Angeles area.

On May 4, 1968, Kent married Judy, beginning a loving partnership that would span decades. Together, they raised three children in Southern California: Wendi Lynn Shipley, Caryn Jerene Kessinger, and Patrick Kent Sellars. Kent was a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren and a great-grandfather to two.

Later in life, Kent and Judy made their home in Draper, Utah, where they lived for 25 years. Due to declining health, Kent spent his final year and a half at the Veterans Home in Payson, Utah.

Kent found joy in many simple pleasures. He was an avid reader, a coin collector, and a lifelong enthusiast of space exploration and NASA. He loved watching NFL and college sports and was always eager to share his knowledge and interests with others. One of his most endearing qualities was his deep love for animals, as well as his genuine desire to help others-especially when it came to their health and well-being.

Kent passed away on March 14-Pi Day (3.14159…)-a fitting and meaningful date for someone who so deeply appreciated knowledge, learning, and the beauty of numbers.

He will be remembered for his intellect, kindness, curiosity, and the love he shared with his family and all who knew him. He loved the lord and we know he is with Him now.