KENT

Michael Kent, 65, of London, Ohio, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, after enduring a long medical journey and was surrounded by his family.

Michael was born on March 30, 1959, in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, the son of Richard Charles Kent and Helga Elisabeth Kent (nee Hieronymus).

Michael graduated in 1977 from Miami Trace High School and immediately upon graduating took an oath for the armed forces.

Michael joined the Army in 1977 and was stationed in Germany and after three years was honorably discharged. A few years being back in Washington Court House, he decided to return to military service. This time, Michael reenlisted in the Air Force in 1982 and served in security police for 10 years while stationed at various bases abroad and stateside until honorably discharged in September of 1992. During his time serving, Michael earned many accolades and awards during his time in the service.

Michael married his soulmate, Clara Golding-Kent, on July 1, 2005, surrounded by family and loved ones in the backyard of his family's home. Michael and Clara met during their shared time working at Madison Correctional institution. Both enjoyed spending time with their blended family of 8 and beloved pets, which has grown over the years with many grandkids and even more pets.

Michael worked his way through the ranks in corrections, starting as a Correctional Officer at Lebanon Correctional Institution in 1993 and diligently working his way to Captain at Pickaway Correctional Institution until medically retiring in 2020. Over the 27 years of his career, Michael received special recognition and awards for his for his time in corrections.

Michael was an avid reader, especially loving his westerns and fantasy novels. Michael appreciated the quiet life and would often take himself to the movies on his own or go for drives. Michael also loved collecting eagle statues and displaying them in the home. He was often surrounded by his children and grandchildren, always having a revolving door for company. When not being with his rather large and rambunctious family, it was nice for him to find solace in his hobbies.

Remaining to cherish Michael's memory are his wife, Clara Golding-Kent; his sister Donna Kent (Scott Ratliff); his children Keith C. Park (Stacy Park), Mark Richard Kent (Elsie Tan), Patrick Charles Kent (Taylin Nichole Hunter), Ashley Annemarie Renken (Taylor Lawrence Renken), Donelle Renee Fuller, Samantha Faye Ames and Macie Elouise Hobbs; his grandchildren Syrenity Leigh Aguirre, Samuel Robert Park, Nojua Ignacio Aguirre, Tala Gale Ames, Sydney Annemarie Park, Canyon Ridge Park, Eleanora Gene Renken and Sylas Gene Park. Michael was excitedly looking forward to his 9th grandbaby due February 2025 (Patrick and Taylin).

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Richard (Dick) Charles Kent on March 27, 2003, and Helga Elisabeth Kent on November 17, 2023, as well as his older brother Norbert Kent in 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 5, 2024, in the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 N. Main Street, London with Deacon Dan Hann officiating. Interment will follow in Deercreek Township Cemetery. A luncheon will follow interment in the social hall of St. Patrick Catholic Church, 61 South Union Street, London, Ohio 43140. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9 AM until time of services.

To remember Michael, the family suggests memorials to the Madison County Humane Society, 2020 St. Rt. 142 West Jefferson, Ohio 43162.

Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.

"I have found the one whom my soul loves." Solomon 3:4