Bryan S. Kent

Bryan was born in Detroit, MI on June 26, 1956, grew up in St. Charles, MO, and currently resided in Springfield, IL. Bryan was a U.S. Navy veteran during the Vietnam War having served aboard the USS Nimitz. His business career as a General Manager V for contracted school systems, took him to many wonderful locations. Wherever Bryan went he was strongly involved in his local church and in helping others. Bryan had a very strong faith in the Lord Jesus and desired for all to have a relationship with Christ too. Bryan gave his time in several overseas mission trips using his building skills in helping others. He was a faithful member of Westside Community Church and volunteered selflessly.

Bryan loved woodworking, cooking, gardening and being with family and friends. If there was time to share a few games of Euchre he was all for it! He loved to entertain and you could always find him in charge of the grill! He was also a diehard St. Louis Cardinal’s, St. Louis Blues, and Ohio State Buckeyes fan.

He was the loving husband of Deborah, with whom he just celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary on Oct. 15, 2016. Bryan is survived by his mother, Jean Kent. He is also survived by his son, Bryan S. Jr. (Audra) of Cheyenne WY, daughter, Angela Melcher of Asheboro, NC; stepchildren Erin Leigh, and Sean David Hasenauer of Toledo, OH. Grandchildren include Pheobe and Lucas Kent, Billy and Avari Melcher, and Andrew Phillips.

He is also survived by his siblings, Deborah (Don) Cosens , Janice (Bob) Beckman, Keith Kent, Kevin (Cheryl) Kent and Laurie (Mark) DeBrecht. He was preceded in death by his father James R. Kent, Jr, and sister Cheryl Kent.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, where visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 from 6 to 9 pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 at 11:30 am at West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Rd., Springfield. Per his wishes, cremation rites will follow.

Memorials may be made to West Side Christian Church, 2851 Cider Mill Rd., Springfield, IL

“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”