LODI NEWS-SENTINEL
Lodi, California
Saturday, May 4, 2013

Robert Clark Kent, 66, went to rest peacefully in his home on May 1, 2013. He was born on May 7, 1946 in Trenton, New Jersey to Edward and Thelma Kent. Bob became an inquisitive and adaptable person in his childhood, in part because his father was in the military. The family moved frequently, living in eastern and southern states and also in Japan during Bob's formative years. 

On July 4, 1969, while serving in the military, Bob married the love of his life, Judy Michaud on July 4, 1969. Shortly afterwards, he was stationed for 13 months in Korea's DMZ as an Air Force Electronic Technician. After Korea, Bob and Judy settled in Florida where their family grew to include two beloved daughters. Bob built their first home during this time, and trained and worked at Jax Naval Air Base, for ten years. The family then moved to Maine for six years and Bob worked at Presque Isle Airport. The family moved to California in 1985. Bob worked at Stockton Airport and then in Sacramento as a FAA Program Support Specialist until he retired in 2001 with 33 years experience in the field. He wrote a training manual for the FAA and received awards for implementing innovative and impressive cost saving procedures. 

Bob was a humble, unpretentious, down-to-earth man. He was an inspired Christian; he cherished his family and friends, and he considered his grandchildren the jewels of his heart. He was a lifelong musician, songwriter, and vocalist. He played the guitar and the dulcimer. Bob was involved with music activities for years, and he was a popular volunteer guitar instructor for at-risk youth with San Joaquin County ""Guitars Not Guns"". Among the songs he wrote was a favorite called ""Creation Song"" that he co-authored with his granddaughter Taylor Wallace. 

Bob was also an avid fisherman, an accomplished gardener, he loved playing softball, and he built his second home in Galt in 1990. He was respected as a Jack-Of-All-Trades, and he enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical. Those who knew Bob were richly blessed by his boyish, playful, tender charm, his keen wit, his helpful and generous spirit, and his indomitable independence, even while he endured his many challenges with Parkinson's disease since 1997. Bob went out of his way to encourage others and to be a witness for Christ. His life was centered on helping others everywhere he went. His Church, Family, and Friends will miss him deeply until our heavenly reunion. 

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Thelma Kent and his infant sister Martha Sue. He is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Judy, daughters Alissa (and Kent) Wallace of Galt and Amy(and Jeff) Dietrich of Washington, and five precious grandchildren: Taylor, Tanner, and Tucker Wallace, and Dylan and Katelyn Dietrich. Bob is also survived by his father Edward Kent, Sister Marjorie Rowe, and Brother William Kent. 

Memorial services will be May 6, 2013 at Bob's home church, Galt Seventh-day Adventist Church, 619 Myrtle Ave in Galt, CA at 4:00 P.M. On May 7th Bob will be laid to rest at the Dixon VA Cemetery in Dixon, CA after a private family ceremony. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to be sent ""In Care of Judy Kent"" at Farmers and Merchants Bank, 10330 Twin Cities Road, Galt, CA 95632.