Robert “Bob” O. Kent, 96, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 2:15 pm March 16, 2023 at White Oak Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was born, November 10, 1926, the son of Henry Ira and Martha Bell (Arnold) Kent. He married Margaret L. (Flanagan) Kent on December 13, 1947. She preceded him in death on March 30, 2012.

He is survived by a son, David A. Kent (Cathy) of Collinsville, Oklahoma, while preceded in death by a son Terry R. Kent (Janice) of Orland Park, Illinois.

He is loved dearly by his grandchildren; Cory Kent (Alison), Kirstin Kent, Tara Schmidt (Dan), and Tyler Kent (Sara); great-grandchildren, Miles, Oliver, Liam and Graham Kent, Charlie, Norah and Felicity Schmidt and Landon Kent. He is also survived by a sister, Louise Carpenter of Cheraw, South Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, wife and son, Bob is preceded in death by his brother, John H. Kent (Joan).

Bob and his boys were in the dairy business until retirement. He loved farming and singing at many many friends’ weddings and funerals. At the ages of 16, he survived being struck by lightning; a miracle! A charter member of Grace Community Church, Bob was also a past president of Jefferson County Farm Bureau, and board member for the following: Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Jefferson and Wabash at Farm Credit Union and the Masonic Lodge #31 of Opdyke, Illinois. He was a proud veteran of WWII.

A Visitation will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Grace Community Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11:00 am with Pastor Tom Smith and Pastor Jason E. Newell officiating.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.