Charles Kent

Charles Melville Kent was born October 11, 1930, on a farm in Lucas County, Iowa, the son of Melville Charles and Fern Joan (Briggs) Kent and passed away March 30, 2020, at the age of 89, at his rural Clarke County home surrounded by family.  Charles attended Spring Hill Country School through the 8th grade and graduated from Lucas High School with the Class of 1949.  At a very early age, his parents divorced, and he was raised by his father and paternal grandparents, Albert & Amelia Kent.   Charles married Evelyn Page on August 6, 1954, in Osceola, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Greg, Darcia and Jay. He began his life-long farming career, first in Lucas County and in 1966 he and Evelyn moved to the family home east of Osceola.  For many years he drove a rock truck, hauling lime with his father-in-law.   Charles was a St. Louis Cardinals fan for life.  He also had a love for playing fast-pitch softball, basketball, and was an avid deer hunter up until 2018.  He also enjoyed square dancing which was made into a family affair.  The Kent’s could form their own square as each of the kids and in-laws learned to dance, with grandson Lance calling.   Charles enjoyed playing cards and loved a competitive game of horseshoes.

For many years he could be seen driving his favorite vehicle, “Old Blue”, which he retired in 2003.  He had a passion for attending the County and Iowa State Fair, only missing one in his lifetime.  Charles had an eagle eye for mushroom hunting and was always very proud of his rhubarb patch, being started from his grandparents and Evelyn’s grandmother’s patch. His biggest joy was when the family was all together for holidays or any occasion.   He and Evelyn rarely missed any activity involving their children or grandchildren, whether it be a sporting event, a musical, or showing livestock at fairs.

Charles belonged to the Clarke County Sheriff’s Posse, riding in the drill team for many years.  He was an active member of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Reserves, and the Do-Sceola Square Dance Club.

Left to cherish Charles’ memory is his wife Evelyn of 65 years, children Gregory Kent of Osceola, IA, Darcia (Bruce) Lange of Promise City, Iowa, and Jay (Connie) Kent of Osceola, Iowa. Grandchildren Lance (Bethany) Lange of Seymour, Iowa, Cody Kent of Osceola, Iowa, and Emily (Torey) Mason of Milo, Iowa.  Two great-grandchildren, Tanner Charles Lange and Lilly Annabelle Chasteen.  Extended family includes five step-grandchildren Cory (Karen) Lange of Bogart, Georgia, Missy Coe of Des Moines, Iowa, Brett (Rani) Lange of Leawood, Kansas, Buffy (Jason) Bass of Osceola, Iowa and Chip Coe of Osceola, Iowa, and their families, several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Pearl (Pug) & Maxine Page, brother-in-law Robert “Bob” D. Page, sister & brother-in-law Donajene & William Tjelmeland, nephew Steven Tjelmeland, and daughter-in-law, Jean Kent.                A private family graveside service was held at Maple hill Cemetery in Osceola.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Clarke County Fairgrounds Memorial.              Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com