Kevin Kent
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Kevin Don Kent of Modesto, California, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on September 20, 2022 at the age of 57.
Kevin was born in Modesto where he attended Milnes Elementary School and was a member of Oakdale High’s graduating class of 1982. In his childhood days, Kevin participated in junior rodeos where he rode steers, team roped and calf roped. In his high school years Kevin was a member of the California High School Rodeo Association, where he focused mainly on team roping where he shined as a heeler. After high school Kevin met and married Dawn and together they had two handsome sons, Tanner and Travis. He joined the Millwrights Union where he worked for 20 years. As a millwright, Kevin worked on dams and factories and even on a laser at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
Kevin’s love of horses and team roping never left him. There wasn’t a local team roping or Junior Rodeo that Kevin, Dawn and the boys did not attend.
Kevin was a member of the ACTRA and the USTRC team roping associations. Anyone who knew Kevin knew he loved to rope and he shared that love with Tanner and Travis.
Later in Kevin’s life he met Lisa Taylor and together they had a beautiful son, Trace.
Kevin decided to hang up his rope and spurs in exchange for a fishing rod. Kevin and Trace made lasting memories fishing. Kevin loved to rope but more importantly he loved being a father.
Kevin is survived by his sons, Tanner Kent and Travis Kent of Oakdale, Calif., Trace Kent of Modesto, Calif., mother, Jane Kent of Modesto, stepmom Kimberly Cercle-Kent of Marsing ID, multiple nieces, nephews and his long time and best friend Lisa Taylor of Modesto CA. He was preceded in death by his father, Hartzell Kent, sister, Karen Leslie, brother, Douglas Kent and niece, Tanya Leslie.
A graveside service was held October 7 at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, and a celebration of life at the H-B Banquet Room in Oakdale.
In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to the American Cowboy Team Roping Association (ACTRA) Catastrophe Fund in Kevin’s name at P.O. Box 190540, Boise, Idaho 83719.