Walter Kent

Carbondale – Walter Kent, 82, passed away at 11:22 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale surrounded by his family.



Walter was born on August 27, 1934 in Mt. Vernon to Louis Orville and Beulah (Stonemetz) Kent. He married Martha Elizabeth Hargrave on August 9, 1959 at McLeansboro. She survives and is of Carbondale.



Other survivors include his two daughters, Sara (Austin) Raunikar of Simpsonville, SC and Mary (Don) Hastings of Kirkwood, MO; six grandchildren, Anna, Matthew and Mary Grace Raunikar and James, Katie and Pete Hastings; two nieces, Assunta and Teresa Kent; and nephew, Michael Kent.



Walter is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Louis Phillip Kent.



Walter served his country in the United States Army. He worked at the Southern Illinois University Press as the business manager until his retirement. Walter was very involved in the local community. He volunteered for 14 ½ years with disaster relief for the American Red Cross. He also spent time volunteering at the Marion VA Hospital, was past president of the Good Samaritan House in Carbondale and an active member at University Baptist Church in many capacities and roles.



Funeral services for Walter will be on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at University Baptist Church in Carbondale with Reverend John Annable officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to Good Samaritan Ministries, envelopes will be available and accepted at the church.