Kent Darrell Smith, 56, of Hutchinson, died April 1, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita. He was born February 1, 1967, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to James Whitcomb and Yvonne Smith.
Kent graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1985 and attended Hutchinson Community College. He was a standout basketball and track athlete in high school, and also loved boxing and race cars. Kent was an avid Denver Broncos and Kansas Jayhawks fan. He also loved to dance and was a walking jukebox.
Kent was a machinist/metalist at Superior Boiler for many years before retirement. He attended Foundation of Life Ministries.
Kent had previously been married to Jana Smith and she preceded him in death.
On September 25, 2019, he married Debbie (Harris) Ford, in Hutchinson. She survives.
Also surviving are: his mother, Yvonne Johnson of Hutchinson; brother, Michael Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Kanetia Jackson (Damont) of Dallas, TX; children, Kendra Ray (Ben) of Hutchinson, De’Shaun Smith (Ashley) of Rose Hill, Sh’nelle Grissom of Hutchinson, Kentra Cash’ae “Cash” Wade of El Dorado, Ya’Neigh Smith of Hutchinson; 18 grandchildren; and many extended family members.
Kent was preceded in death by his twin brother, Keith Smith, and a sister, Monique Johnson.
Celebration of Life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Elliott Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it below will be active beginning at 1:45 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023.
Click here to view the service
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the day of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kent Smith Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.