William L. Trent Jr.

Bill Trent, 89, of Las Vegas, passed away Sept. 26, 2012, from kidney failure. In his last days, he was surrounded by family friends who gathered to give him their love and support. Bill was born in San Francisco, May 22, 1923, to William L. Sr. and Beatrice Trent. The family moved to Ely shortly after his birth. Bill and his brother, Bob, grew up in Ely, in humble surroundings. After Bill graduated from White Pines High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines in World War II, where he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals. After the war, he returned to Las Vegas, and he and his brother, Bob, worked in his parents' grocery store. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War in the early 50's. He returned to Las Vegas after the Korean War and worked as an electrician for local contractors including work at the Nevada Test Site. He decided to open his own electrical contracting business and in 1958 he started Vegas Valley Electric with a $5,000 loan from his uncle. He paid his uncle back and with hard work and long hours the company grew to become the largest electrical contractor in the state of Nevada, responsible for commercial contracts for many of the original Strip hotels. In 1979, he sold Vegas Valley Electric to a national company, Dynalectric. He then built the Maxim Hotel with several other investors, then sold it in 1982. He was one of the original founders of Valley Hospital. He got involved in real estate partnerships, including the Goldriver Hotel in Laughlin and many other projects in Laughlin and Las Vegas. Bill's philanthropic endeavors are extensive, including major donations to UNLV and the Richard Tam Alumni Center. Bill was well-respected in the community for his integrity and generosity. If one word could describe Bill, it would be "fair." His belief was that a deal had to be fair for everyone. His generosity to his family and friends is legendary. Bill was preceded in death by an infant son, John, who died at birth in 1954. He is survived by his loving wife, of 25 years, Sharon; devoted children, Jacqueline Miller (Robert), Bonita Sherman (Thomas), Nikki Trent and Elizabeth Werner (Robert); grandchildren, Amanda Johnson, Melinda Filardo, Matthew Miller, Damon Miller, Devon Werner and Ryan Werner; and great-grandchildren, Breanna, Kayla and Ebbon. He is also survived by his best friend, Steve Olson. Bill loved going to the office and Steve would transport him to and from the office as his health was failing, in addition to being a devoted friend for 24 years. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas in memory of Bill.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.