of Mountain View, AR
May 23, 1946 - April 23, 2024
Charles Wesley ''Wes'' Kent, 77, of Mountain View, Arkansas, died April 23, 2024, in his hunting cabin at Fifty-Six, Arkansas.
Wes was born in San Diego, California, to Rubert Kent and Dollie (Plaster) Kent while his father was stationed there in the Navy.
He was a Christian, having made his profession of faith while a high school student at Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, Arkansas where he graduated in 1964. He attended Arkansas State University for two years before transferring to Ouachita Baptist University where he graduated in 1968.
He became a Baptist Preacher during his last year of college. During his lifetime he served as a Minister in Southern Baptist churches in Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio, and New Jersey. From 1979 through 1984 he worked in the Evangelism Department at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. After moving to Texas and completing his master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986, he became a full-time evangelist. He preached at more than two hundred churches during his evangelistic ministry before returning to serving in local churches.
He loved to share the good news about God's love all over the world. He joined other Christians on mission trips to Mexico, Brazil, and Guatemala. In 1991, Wes organized a folk music band from Arkansas to participate in an international mission trip with the Kazak American Joint Venture during glasnost and perestroika.
Wes retired from full-time ministry in 2008 to spend more time in volunteer work. He was a leader of first responders for Baptist Disaster Relief. One of his first assignments with Disaster Relief was in New York City for the September 11th disaster. He led teams of volunteers to build churches each summer with Birmingham Builders for Christ and with Constructors for Christ.
His retirement dreams included hunting and wildlife management. He spent time each week on his hunting land where he trapped feral hogs that he then butchered to share with families who needed the meat. He held eight triple trophy badges from the state of Arkansas for his proficiency in deer hunting.
He loved old time mountain music. He played banjo, guitar, and mandolin and performed regularly with friends at the Ozark Folk Center State Park and at the Pulaski Rackensack Society.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Judy (Philliber) Kent; two children: Jodi Green of Deptford, New Jersey and Samuel and his wife Heather Kent of Helena, Alabama; grandchildren: Zack Spencer, Cole Spencer, Azure Spencer, Andrew Kent, Topher Kent, and Xander Kent; his sister, Winona (Kent) Emmons of Dundee, Mississippi; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Rubert and Dollie (Plaster) Kent of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and his niece, Ann Adams of Amory, Mississippi.
A celebration of Wes's life will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. and service at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Mountain View. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Music Roots program at Committee of 100, PO Box 2111, Mtn View, AR 72560; or Samaritan's Purse at samaratainspurse.org.
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49 Condolence(s)
Miriam Quagliato
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
We may be shocked by his passing, but Jesus was ready and waiting with open arms when Wes walked into the embrace of his savior and was shown to the opulent mansion that he built through his years of devoted service in this world.
May you find comfort and peace in Christ.
Sending love and prayers,
Miriam Q
Andy Clarke
Sunday, April 28, 2024
My sympathies to all family experiencing grief at your loss, but also an acknowledgment of a life lived generously and well. Wes and his legacy will always live on in all of those who were blessed by his giving spirit, myself included. I am grateful for having the experience of being welcomed into his home, and will always carry those memories with me.
Larry Bailey
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Judy, so sorry to hear about Wes’s passing. He truly was a servant of the Lord. It was neat to get to serve with Wes at Central in Jonesboro. We will be praying for you in the days ahead. Larry & Sheila Bailey
Patty Brolliar
Saturday, April 27, 2024
My prayers for Judy and family. Wes was such a loving wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. Wes and Judy helped me through one of the hardest times of my life.
Becky Brown
Saturday, April 27, 2024
I love you guys so much.
Jerry and Tammy May
Friday, April 26, 2024
Jerry and I were so sad to hear about Wes. He was a good man and a faithful believer in Christ. His smile would light up a room. Both Judy and Wes were very good to us when we lived in Mountain View. We know that Wes has entered Glory with his father and is playing in the band in heaven. Our prayers are with Judy and the family on their loss. Just know we will all see him again in heaven. With all our love and prayers. Jerry and Tammy May
Robb Arnold
Friday, April 26, 2024
Praying for the family. Bro Wes was always a encouraging to me and my wife!!
Ronda Ivy
Friday, April 26, 2024
Wes was such an example of God's love. He was always friendly and sharing his faith. We will miss him at church. Prayers for Judy and family.
Rev. Michael W. Philliber
Friday, April 26, 2024
I am so sad. Not only did I recently get to know Wes over the last couple of years, but also was enjoying the connections - married to my Uncle Bill's daughter, he and I both loved wood carving, and we both served the same Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. How much better can it get than that Judy and family, I appreciated getting to know Wes. I'm saddened for, and with you. And I am confidently hopeful that death is not the final word: "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). May the Good Shepherd walk near you through this time and fill you with his peace that passes all understanding.
Paul Counts
Friday, April 26, 2024
Praying for all. Love you.
Lynn
Erika Counts
Friday, April 26, 2024
Out heart are with you during this time of transition.
David Potts
Friday, April 26, 2024
From the moment you met Wes it was clear that He loved his Lord Jesus and was intent on sharing that love with everyone he met... So long brother, see you soon!
Eddie & Virginia Emmons
Friday, April 26, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family
Ann Wallace
Friday, April 26, 2024
Enjoyed getting to know Brother Wes when I was privileged to be a part of building the church in West Hampton, New Jersey. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. I pray for God‘s peace and comfort to all the family.
Kay Adkins
Friday, April 26, 2024
Wes will be missed in many circles. I will remember him for his smile and joy in Jesus, his heart of serving and loving people, and for the Sunday morning services I watched him as he shared the Word with the hearing impaired through sign language. I am certain he received a tender "Well done!"
Dave and Maria Smith
Friday, April 26, 2024
Wes was loved by all, and that says everything about him. He will be missed.
Peter Wilkins
Friday, April 26, 2024
Judy my condolence go out to you and your family. I was so Bless in knowing you and Wes. I know Wes is sitting up in Heaven with The King. Wes was truly a man of God. Judy I will always remember the good times with Wes and I had hunting,fishing hanging around together. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Wes was a good and faithful servant.
Bob and Linda Rockhill
Friday, April 26, 2024
We had the pleasure to meet Wes at Westampton fun day. Wes made rubber band pistol made of wood. The object of the game was to aim the rubber band at a row of ducks, also made of wood. At the event we learned about Rancocas Valley Baptist church. We enjoyed many years of fellowship with Wes and Judy. Our sincere condolences. You are all in our prayers.
Joy & Bill Hopkins
Friday, April 26, 2024
Judy, you and Wes came into our lives 17 years ago. Years of wonderful memories have accumulated. We are truly blessed. We will miss him. God bless you and your family.
Jeff and Sue Ellard
Friday, April 26, 2024
Wes will be missed for sure at church and by the community. Our prayers and hugs to you Judy
Rita Drake
Friday, April 26, 2024
Dear Judy,
I am very sorry for your loss. Wes was such a kind and gentle man and it was a pleasure to know him. You are both so loved by the MV community and I am sure they share your grief. He left many folks better off for having known him. May peace be with you at this difficult time.
Loving thoughts from Rita
Tillman Richardson
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Janice may
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Judy and family, so sorry to learn of your loss.you are in my prayers.love you and miss you.
corky wolf
Thursday, April 25, 2024
My thoughts are with you and my prayers are for you.
He will be missed by so many.
Mary Keller
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Donald Kent
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Praying for the family in this time of rememberance. God is good.
Wes will surely hear..Good and Faithful Servant- Welcome.
Donna Tully
Thursday, April 25, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. God be with you during this time. I know he will.
Andy Clarke
Thursday, April 25, 2024
My sympathies to all family experiencing grief at your loss, but also an acknowledgment of a life lived generously and well. Wes and his legacy will always live on in all of those who were blessed by his giving spirit, myself included. I am grateful for having the experience of being welcomed into his home, and will always carry those memories with me.
Brad and Lisa Sheppard
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I'm sure sorry to hear about Wes' passing! He was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed visiting with him. I know he will be sorely missed.
Jan McCone
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Wes was one of the most kindest, gentlest, and talented men. He was earnest in sharing the gospel and wanted everyone to know Jesus! What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind! He was much loved by the McCones! Judy, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Lealon Worrell
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Our loss - GODs’ gain. We knew each other from college times, played and sang together from then till now. He was genuinely a man after GODS own heart living his convictions daily! Truly an inspiration as a musician. We will miss his smile.
Charles and Ann Lewis
Thursday, April 25, 2024
So sorry to hear about Wes Kent he was a great person. Ann and I are praying for the family.
Cathy Sisk
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. We are going to miss Wes so much in Sunday School and the choir. He was filled with so much! You had to know him to understand.
Johnny Jason
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Judy so sorry for your loss
Dan and Patricia Stewart
Thursday, April 25, 2024
We are so sorry. Our prayers are with the family.
Paul &Lorri McCoy
Thursday, April 25, 2024
God Bless your family..May his love for his family and his dedication to our Lord live forever
Larry Poff
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I was surprised and saddened when I heard that brother Wes had entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior! Not at all surprised that he is with Jesus,because if you knew Wes you knew he was a man of great faith and was quick to share Christ love every where he served! My dad enjoyed spending time with Wes and Wes made time for dad! Dad enjoyed Wes driving him around in his ATV where he spent time hunting! He and Judy have been a blessing to my parents! Thanks Wes and Judy for loving my parents! Wes will be greatly missed!!
Joe and Nancy Vergona
Thursday, April 25, 2024
So sorry for your loss.
Janet watkins
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Loved Wes and Judy Kaye so much. We had so much music fun and wes was always ready to help out. He was so funny and so kind. A very special man indeed. He will be so missed at our Rackensack group or wherever we played. It was a privilege to know you both. Love Janet.
Connie E. Connely
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Judy, I am sorry to hear of your husband's passing. It was a pleasure to finally meet you both in person last summer when you visited Tulsa. We know Wes is loving Heaven and you will see him again.
CLAIRE MCDONALD
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Judy and family, praying for you at this time and hope the happy memories with Wes bring you comfort.
Doug Emmons
Thursday, April 25, 2024
My prayers are with you. Wes and Judy will always be close to me. I know we didn’t get to spend a lot of time together but I always enjoyed seeing your posts on Facebook.
Rebecca Badgett
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I am so sorry Judy. Although we know where our spouses are and that is comforting, it is the little, daily things that trip us up as we continue without them. Praying for comfort and peace for you during this time. Streams in the Desert has been so helpful to me the past few years.
Ron and Glenda Taylor
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Our prayers are with Judy and family. He was a great man and close friend. He will be greatly missed.
Ray and Beverly Bolden
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Wes will be so missed by his church family here in Mt. View and by all those whose lives he touched in near and faraway places. God’s bluegrass band has a new member in heaven. Peace be with his family.
Russell Hardie
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Judy
We are so sorry to hear this news.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Russell & Vicki
Garry Gammill
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I got to know wesley at motorcycle events very friendly man to get to know he sure loved life and the people he met along through life it was always a treat to run across him someplace he was always the same seems he always set his troubles
aside for anyone in need it sure was a blessing to know this person in this life heaven sure gained a great soul in this man condolences to his family he sure will be missed here in this awful place that the rest of us remain in until our time comes to leave and be in a more peaceful place God bless the family in this time of sorrow .
William and Sharon GIberson
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Wes will be greatly missed by the church and community. His involvement and influence helped many people. His light shone brightly. Praying for the families at this time.
Danny & Martha Simmons
Thursday, April 25, 2024
We're so sorry for your loss. We will miss Bro. Wess and cherish his welcoming smile and handshake. Praying and sending our love for you and the family.