705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Robert William Kent, Jr.Passing: January 8, 2021

Service:

To be Announced

Celebration of Life

To be Announced

Visitation:

No Visitation

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Tuesday, January 12th

Robert William Kent, Jr. was born December 18, 1935 to Mary Frances Kent (née Treadway) and Robert William Kent, Sr. in Mitchell, IN. He was their second child, and would be the eldest son of nine siblings. Robert went by many names in life. He was called Buddy at home by his parents and siblings, Bob at school, work, and among friends, and often just Kent by his wife, sons, and grandchildren. 

Bob lived in Mitchell nearly his entire life. He attended Riley Elementary, Burris Junior High School, and graduated from Mitchell High School in 1954. After high school he enrolled in the Air Force. He did his basic training in St. Louis, MO and then spent the next four years as a radio repairman at duty stations in New York and Florida. After completing his four years of service, Bob returned to his hometown. Over the next several years he worked at Travelers and Sarkes Tarzian before getting on at the GM plant in 1963, where he worked until his retirement in 2004. In 1967, Bob met the woman who would become his wife, Carole Sue (née Brown), to whom he would be married for 52 beautiful years. Upon marrying Carole, or Suse as he called her, Bob also became a father to Joey D Randolph. Nine months later they welcomed son Layne Clark (Amber). Then several years later they welcome their youngest, Kyle Robert.

During his long life, Bob had many interests and was involved in many organizations in his community. He was an active member of the Mitchell Wesleyan Church, teaching Sunday school, ushering during services, serving on committees, mowing the grass weekly, and assisting with the food pantry. 

When his children were young, Bob was also a Cub Scout leader and coached several youth sports teams, during which he had an influence on the lives of many local youth who still remember him fondly.

Bob was also very active, he loved to play ping-pong in the basement with his kids, spent a few years on a local bowling team, and played on several softball teams where he routinely hit home runs during the church league games. But Bob was never very competitive. It never seemed to bother him to lose, because he just enjoyed playing. Bob was also an avid sports spectator. He spent nearly every Sunday afternoon watching NASCAR, rooting on his favorite drivers, Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson. He enjoyed attending baseball games, and his favorite all time baseball player was Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He followed some professional sports teams, but he was the most devoted fan and fervent follower of Mitchell Bluejackets basketball and football teams, which is why you would often find him in the bleachers at home games even long after his own kids had left the house. But his favorite physical activity was walking. Bob probably walked thousands of miles around Mitchell visiting with family and friends. For several years he spent nearly every evening walking with his siblings and other relatives around Spring Mill State Park. Even up until the last month of his life, Bob was walking 4-5 miles a day around the hometown he loved so much.

One of Bob’s favorite past-times was shopping with his wife. He especially enjoyed their many trips to the Louisville flea market, Kmart, and Kohl’s. Bob also enjoyed reading cowboy books. His favorite authors were Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey. He also loved music. He enjoyed old country and western music and church hymns, and he always bragged about all of the times he saw Elvis Presley in concert while in the service. But his favorite was Christmas music, which he often listened to year round. Bob really loved Christmas, and for years his house had the biggest display of Christmas lights and decorations in all of Mitchell.

Bob is survived by his wife Carole Sue (née Brown), his three sons Joey D Randolph (Sharon), Layne Clark (Amber), Kyle Robert, his four grandchildren Nicklas, David, Samuel, and Gisele, his six siblings Agatha Kimble, Joe, Roger (Brenda Hardy), David (Wilma Sage), Regina Long (Bob), and Donnie, as well as a huge extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his sisters Ruth and Leona.

Bob’s family would like to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Baptist Floyd Hospital in New Albany who took such amazing care of him during the final days of his life.  

Bob will be laid to rest during a private graveside service at Mitchell City Cemetery on Tuesday, January 12, with Pastor Steve Jones officiating. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life later this year that will be open to everyone who knew and loved him.

Memorial Gifts: Mitchell Wesleyan Church or dementiasociety.org/donate

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30 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Sarah Blackwell | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 17, 2021
    Kyle, I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you & I hope you will be able to find a sort of peace & comfort in the many memories you were able to make with your Father over the years. 🖤
  2. Guest: Daniel Chambers | Mitchell
    Date: January 12, 2021
    We both worked at GM in different departments. I knew Bob from our participation in Scouting and Youth sports in Mitchell. Our children were in these activities during the same years. He was always pleasant, with a friendly greeting and a smile. I don't believe I've ever heard and unpleasant or angry word from Bob. Our prayers are with the family. Rest well, Bob.
  3. Guest: Pastor Steve Jones | Mitchell
    Date: January 12, 2021
    I loved Bob's love for life, hislove of kids and how much they loved him. So thankful that my girls had the opportunity for Bob to be a teacher to them, and sorry that my grandkids will miss out. A great man of faith, love,and patience.I was so glad to call him my friend. Pastor Steve
  4. Guest: Martin and Gail Miller | Indianapolis, IN
    Date: January 11, 2021
    Bob lived well. He loved God, loved his family, loved his friends, his church family and his community. He helped out whenever and wherever he could. He had a dry sense of humor and loved to give a hug or a playful slug. He walked the good walk—-he ran a lot of it. We’ll miss you, Bob. We’re praying for Carole and the family.
  5. Guest: Sheryl Walton | Mitchell
    Date: January 10, 2021
    Prayers for the family. So sorry for your loss.
  6. Guest: Megan (Scott) Wright | Eckerty, IN
    Date: January 10, 2021
    So sorry to hear the news of Bob's passing. I've known Bob and Carole for as long as I can remember. I remember going to their house for teen events for church and Bob always "smacking" me with the church bulletin every Sunday. He continued that even as I got older, swatting at me with something, just to play around and get me to laugh. He will be greatly missed.
  7. Guest: Neal & Kim Briner | Orleans, IN
    Date: January 10, 2021
    So very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob was a quiet man who will be missed by all who knew him! May God comfort you with all the wonderful memories of your time together and the hope of a heavenly reunion.🙏❤
  8. Guest: Sandy Pipher Neal | Orleans
    Date: January 10, 2021
    Joe and family. Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I remember many a summer night them picking me up and taking me to the little field. Please give your mom a hug for me. Prayers for strength and comfort. Sandy
  9. Guest: Lori Brown Grissom | Orleans In
    Date: January 10, 2021
    So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Susie and his entire family. Kent always had a way of making you smile.
  10. Guest: Debby Knight Dobson & Tony Dobson | Lebanon Tn 37087
    Date: January 10, 2021
    To the Kent Family: Our thoughts & Prayers and Deepest Sympathy are with his wife, children and grandchildren during this difficult time.He will be missed.God Bless
  11. Guest: Jim & Carolyn Deckard | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 10, 2021
    We worked with Bob at GM, he always said hi and had a big smile on his face. Prayers for his family.
  12. Guest: Charles and Janet Noe
    Date: January 10, 2021
    Kent family, Was saddened by the news of Bobs passing..not for him, but for all of us. We so enjoyed joking and laughing with the brothers when we would run into them. What a great, funny bunch. We will miss talking and laughing with him. Just know we are thinking and praying for all of you.
  13. Guest: Kenneth L Allen | ORLEANS
    Date: January 10, 2021
    Bob was a very good person we grew up together in town and went to Church with him in our early years. Sorry to hear of the Family loss. Kenny and Rachel Allen
  14. Guest: Dianne Roberts | Oolitic, Indiana
    Date: January 10, 2021
    So sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your family.
  15. Guest: Sherry Kopsho | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 10, 2021
    So very sorry for your loss Carole. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
  16. Guest: Susie Patton | Sarasota, Fl
    Date: January 10, 2021
    I’m am so sorry for your loss.
  17. Guest: Kevin Pemberton | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 10, 2021
    I am sure going to miss him bc we played a lot of softball against each other bc it was always Wesleyan against first baptist and he was one of the best person I have ever known to communicate with, god bless , I love bob , prayers for the family
  18. Guest: Jacki hopkins | Ellettsville Indiana
    Date: January 10, 2021
    I am so sorry for the lost of your brother Roger. Sounds like he really loved his family and country. Thank you Mr. Kent for your service. Roger cherish your memories. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Jacki and John Hopkins
  19. Guest: Carla ewald | Largo fl
    Date: January 10, 2021
    I remember eeting bob at him. Didnt realize he was your dad Joey. A very nice guy. Sorry for your loss
  20. Guest: Robert Bex II | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 10, 2021
    My Dad introduced me to Bob, after that, Bob always said hi any time our paths crossed at GM. He will be missed.
  21. Guest: Meagan Tarr Easton | Bloomington
    Date: January 10, 2021
    I have fond memories of Bob and Carol. From the beginning of my memories. My grandmother Mildred would take us to church as children which is where I met the Kent's. I'm so sorry to Carol and Kyle. My heart goes out to them in this time.
  22. Guest: Nancy Duncan | Williams, IN
    Date: January 10, 2021
    Sorry for your loss Joey, Sharon and Nick. Always thinking of you.
  23. Guest: Richard Robbins | Bedford
    Date: January 9, 2021
    Bob was one of my best friends. I enjoyed our time together. Will miss being and seeing him at McDonald's and nursing home He was truly a wonderful Christian. Praying for his family.
  24. Guest: Brenda Mckain | Brownstown, Ind
    Date: January 9, 2021
    All volunteers of LAWRENCE COUNTY CANCER PATIENT SERVICES are so sorry for your loss.
  25. Guest: Martha Lane Banks | Madison, IN
    Date: January 9, 2021
    I loved Bob and he was the kind of person that you just knew he loved you too. In his way of teasing-a person just knew. Bob never failed to ask me when I visited Mitchell Wesleyan when was I coming back to be the pianist after I moved away. My sympathies to the Kent family which was such a big part of my life. I will cherish the memories.
  26. Guest: James and Sharon Nash | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: January 9, 2021
    To the Kent Family: Our Prayers and sympathy are with his wife, children and grandchildren during this difficult time. James and Sharon
  27. Guest: MHS Class of 1954 | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 9, 2021
    The MHS Class of 1954 send our condolences to Robert's family. He was our classmate and a great friend of all of us. We so enjoyed his presence at our reunions and dinners where we shared great memories of our school years. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
  28. Guest: Jennifer Hensley Davies | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: January 9, 2021
    I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was just an excellent human being in every way. I have a magnet photo of the VBS class we shared in 2004. I just loved him and will miss him picking on me but more so, when he'd just ask me how I was doing. The best part is I know where he is. Love to you all💖🙏💪
  29. Guest: Rhonda Worley Harrell | Lexington Ky.
    Date: January 9, 2021
    We can never tell you how much Mom and our family appreciated the times Kent stopped by and visited with Mom and Dad. We loved discussing olden days and felt like we knew the kids well. So sorry for your loss. Kent will be missed.
  30. Guest: Alan Bocock | Mitchell Indiana
    Date: January 9, 2021
    Sorry always knew him as Bob. Bowled and played softball many years around him and worked with Carole😢