THOMAS “TOMMY” HOWELL KENT

A kind and gentle man of quiet faith, Thomas “Tommy” Howell Kent passed away Sunday, the 8^th of September 2024, at the age of seventy-seven.  Tommy was a devoted son, adventurous friend, dedicated husband, loving father, caring father-in-law, adoring grandfather, and respected employer.  He led by example, for he was a man of honor, integrity, and unwavering faith.  Born in Orange, Texas, on the 6^th of March 1947, Tommy was the son of Louise Eastin Kent and Willard Howell Kent.  At a young age, Tommy’s father introduced him to hunting. As Tommy reflected on these treasured memories of their father-son hunting trips, he recalled the bond they created and the companionship they shared. Sadly, Tommy’s father passed away at the age of fifty-eight; however, Tommy remained devoted to his mother throughout her lifetime.

Tommy made lifelong friends while attending schools in Orange, graduating from Stark High School in 1965. Throughout their youth, he and his friends had many adventures while hunting, fishing, and camping on Shell Island Sabine Lake. It appears after having been retold throughout the years, these adventures may have been largely exaggerated, for Tommy loved a good story, a good laugh, and a captive audience. While attending Lamar State College of Technology (Lamar University), Tommy met Mary Susan Bishop on an arranged date. There was an immediate connection, and on the 14^th of July 1967, Susan and Tommy were married in Roberts Avenue Methodist Church. Their marriage was defined by love, faith, and family.

In the summer of 1967, Tommy began his employment and business relationship with Merle Duke McGonegel, Edwin Frank McGonegel, Delores McGonegel Moye, and Ronald “Ronnie” Ray Moye at Automatic Pump and Equipment Company. During his early years of employment, Tommy completed his degree in economics from Lamar State College of Technology (Lamar University). Tommy was always grateful for the love, support, and opportunities the McGonegels and the Moyes afforded him, and he considered them and his employees as part of his extended family.

Tommy was consistent, kind, and tender-hearted, and he demonstrated his love for his family and friends in his every word and deed without hesitation. He also had many roles, however, among his most treasured was his role as “Pops” to his five grandchildren. They were his pride and joy! Whether attending sporting events, school plays, Boy Scout milestones, or hunting trips to Llano, Texas, he considered each event a precious gift. Tommy was a loving father and father-in-law, and the times he cherished most were when his family gathered all together and the room was filled with noise, chatter, conversation, laughter, and abundant love.

Tommy’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Andrew Barenberg, Dr. Joseph Holland, Jr., Dr. Jeremy Huff, Dr. Stephen LaMendola, Dr. Lindsey Harris Massengale, Dr. Allen McGrew, Dr. Kandasami Senthilkumar, and the late Dr. George Thomas for their kindness, compassion, support, and excellent care in ministering to Tommy throughout the years.

Tommy is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Mary Susan Bishop Kent; his children, Thomas Shea Kent and his wife Laurie Jones Kent, and Cullen Nelson Kent and his wife Katharine Duerr Kent; his grandchildren, Caldwell Bishop Kent and his wife Erin Hester Kent, Garrison Eastin Kent and his fiancé Catherine Callie Roane, Thomas McKinley Kent, Lillian Diersen Kent, and Nelson Bishop Kent; his brother-in-law, Charles Wilson Berry; his nephew, Travis Lane Satterfield and his wife Carol Cantrell Satterfield; and his niece, Tiffany Satterfield Ferrari and her husband David Andrew Ferrari. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carolyn Kent Berry.

Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706; Christian Brothers High School, 5900 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120; or Hutchison School, 1740 Ridgeway Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119.

A memorial service will be held in celebration of Thomas Howell Kent’s life and legacy, Thursday, the 24^th of October 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713. The family graciously invites everyone to attend a reception held at the Wesley Parlor immediately following the memorial service.

Thomas Howell Kent’s memorial service arrangements were conducted under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.