Edward F. Kent

Edward F. Kent was born Nov. 12, 1917, in Morristown, New Jersey and passed peacefully in St. Augustine on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2017. He served in the Army in World War II surviving a glider landing in South of France, was in a pack mule artillery outfit in the Italian Alps, and in an amphibious assault in the Aleutian Islands. Retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant from the military in 1962, he began a career with the National Park Service in St. Augustine eventually becoming the chief of maintenance in charge of all restoration at Forts Caroline, San Marcos, and Matanzas. After retiring from the NPS in 1977, he continued to contribute and was named the Volunteer of the Year for the Southeast region after amassing over 4,000 volunteer hours. Ed also became very involved in the Boy Scout program locally as an assistant scoutmaster for 50 years with Troop 345 teaching generations to love and honor the outdoors. He also helped teach hundreds of adults the Wood Badge scout leader training program, thereby reaching thousands more youth with the scouting message.

Ed loved to canoe and paddled the entire Suwannee River (240 miles) eight times. He designed a beautiful custom paddle and helped replicate over 65 for friends and relatives. He was a master craftsman whose body of work included carved birds, musical instruments, spinning wheels, and recently a wooden surfboard.

Ed was predeceased by his wife of almost 70 years, Thelma (Pat) Paddock Kent, son, Bob Kent, and an infant daughter.

He is survived by daughter, Marjorie Rowe; son, Bill Kent, daughter-in-law, Judy Kent; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and an extended scouting family.

When asked recently how he was still so active at 100 years old, he credited his work with youth and building relationships that lasted beyond when most his age were gone. As he wished, there will not be a formal service locally. His ashes will be spread at his favorite spot on the Suwannee during a Spring canoe trip. Those wishing to may make a contribution in his honor to Troop 345.

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park (www.craigfuneralhome.com) is in charge of the arrangements.