Robert F. Kent

Robert F. “Bob” Kent, 92, of Emerald Bay, went to his heavenly home, October 30, 2018, after a brief illness. He will be lying in state at Stewart Family Funeral Home from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2, 2018. There is a public graveside service Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at Larissa Cemetery in Bullard with Rev. Wes M. Bynum officiating, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Later that afternoon, there is a 2:00 p.m. memorial service at Emerald Bay Community Church with a visitation period following the memorial service. Bob was born December 24, 1925 in Tyler to Merlene Felts Steel and Paul E. Kent. Bobby worshipped at Emerald Bay Community Church and was also a faithful member of the Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study. Bob graduated from Tyler High School in 1942. Responding to his patriotic duty, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 where he served in WW II on the aircraft carrier, USS Shangri-La, as a gunner on a dive bomber. On September 1, 1945, his ship entered Tokyo Bay where he witnessed the formal Japanese surrender on September 2. After separating from service in May 1946, Bobby began his college studies graduating from TJC and the University of Texas at Austin with a geology degree. He worked for Humble Oil, later Exxon, as a Senior Exploration Geophysicist until his retirement in 1986. At that time, he and Charlene moved to Emerald Bay. Bobby was preceded in death by wives Doris, Charlene, and Frances, as well his daughter Cindy Kent Mathis and sister Paula Kent (Bob) Breedlove. Bobby is survived by his daughter, Karen Kent Youngblood (Terry Gimble), Whitehouse. He is “Grandfather” to grandchildren, Marcus (Serene) Youngblood, Whitehouse; Michael (Susie) Gentry, Louisville, KY; Ryan Mathis, Longview; Kristin (Brandon) Jones Longview; Megan (Alex) Alexander, Longview. In addition, Bobby has 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nephews, Mike (Kay) Breedlove, Tyler; Dr. Jim (Sue) Breedlove, Vancouver, WA, Bishop of the Anglican Church in North America; Steve (Sally) Breedlove, Chapel Hill, NC; niece Jan (Jackson) Smith, Atlanta, GA; great-nephew David Breedlove Jr., Ft. Worth; and great-niece Leslie Breedlove (Matt) Daly, Ft. Worth. The family acknowledges special friends for their loving care: Theresa Jones, Arlington; Tanya Theobald, Denison; and Leah Williams, Emerald Bay. Bob especially enjoyed bringing a smile to many faces by sharing his special peanut brittle and divinity candy and chocolate chip cookies with everyone. Bobby was greatly loved by his family and many friends. Although he will be missed deeply, his Christian faith and personal witness is a consolation to us all that, as Christians, we will see him again. He loved many so very well and demonstrated the true measure of a good man by his loyalty, honor, and faith. To be loved by Bobby was a true blessing. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be his golfing buddies in the EBCC Golden Tees. The family wishes to thank the staff of Louis and Peaches Heart Hospital for their excellent care for Bob during his final illness. In lieu of flowers Bobby wanted memorials either to Emerald Bay Community Church, 160 La Salle Rd., Bullard, TX 75757, or Lighthouse for Christ Mission, PO Box 8318, Tyler, TX 75711

Robert F. Kent

December 24, 1925 - October 30, 2018