Kenton Edward Evans

Kenton Edward Evans, 73, of Centralia, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after a long battle with heart disease.

Family and friends are invited to Kent's Celebration of Life at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Hallsville Baptist Church in Hallsville, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 19, also at the church.

Kent was born on October 15, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Gene and Veneta (Draper) Evans. The family attended Maplewood Baptist Church, where Kent met many lifelong friends, and eventually, his wife. He graduated from Maplewood High School in 1970.

Kent's college journey took him through several schools. He began at Missouri Baptist College, transferred to Lindenwood College, played baseball on scholarship at Ole Miss, and returned to Missouri Baptist, where he graduated in 1976 with degrees in Bible and Church Music. He played both baseball and tennis for the Spartans.

Kent was introduced to Jesus at a young age, but after a bus accident left him with amnesia, he lost the memory of that early encounter. In the years that followed, many faithful people poured into his life, eventually leading him into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not long after, he surrendered to the ministry.

He began working with youth at Penn Junction Baptist Church in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Kent and Glenna Smith were married in August 1978, and in April 1979, they moved to Centralia, Missouri, where Kent began serving at First Baptist Church. He remained there until 1993, ministering to youth, senior adults, and leading music. From 1994 to 2000, he served as minister of music and youth at Carpenter Street Baptist Church in Moberly, Missouri.

After stepping away from full-time ministry, Kent transitioned to the secular workforce, eventually working at Bass Pro Shops, where he continued to share his faith with everyone he met.

Kent never met a stranger. He gave hugs and smiles freely, always looking for opportunities to encourage and witness. Even in his final days, he prayed for the Lord to give him "just one more" person to reach with the Gospel.

Kent and Glenna are members of Hallsville Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, on various committees, and as director of the seasonal choir. Beyond music and ministry, his passions included hunting, fishing, training dogs, playing pickleball, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Glenna; his daughters, Emily Roos (Darren) of Robinson, Texas, and Erin Johnston (Luke) of Branson, Missouri; his grandchildren, Megan Roos of Irving, Texas, Evan Roos of Waco, Texas, Owen Roos of Robinson, Texas, and Jonah, Joel, and Seth Johnston, all of Branson, Missouri; his brother, David Evans (Jan) of Des Peres, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Clinton Evans.

In lieu of flowers (due to family allergies), memorial donations are suggested to the Kent Evans Memorial Fund at Hallsville Baptist Church, 115 Elizabeth Street, Hallsville, Missouri 65255.