Kent Craig Adams, 73, passed away peacefully in Wichita on November 19, 2022 surrounded by family. Kent was born on March 3, 1949 in Great Bend, the eldest child of Harry and Barbara Bryant Adams.
After graduating from high school in Great Bend, Kent joined the U.S. Navy in February 1969. He spent the majority of his military service as an electronics specialist stationed on the submarine support ship, the USS Dixon, in San Diego, California. He was honorably discharged in February 1975 after finishing his military service in the Navy Reserve.
Kent is survived by his wife, Sharon Volker Ochs, of Hutchinson; his stepson, Eric Ochs, of Wichita; two sisters, Brenda Ybarra, of Mound Valley and Gale (Ron) Briscoe, of Wichita; and a brother, Lynn (Ann) Adams, of Bison. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kent had a career in construction and was a member of the Plumber and Pipefitters Union Local #441. He traveled in his job, working in a number of states. He accumulated a long list of friends who he remained in contact with even after moving on and retiring in 2011.
Kent was outgoing and could be found in the local hardware and lumber stores in his blue bib overalls talking with staff and customers, always ready to share his own experience with construction methods and materials. He built his own house in rural Hutchinson and enjoyed fishing at Kansas lakes, gardening, and working on his acreage. He always had several projects to keep him busy but also found time for his family and his cats. He was a beloved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. And he always had a way to make his loved ones laugh.
A graveside service will take place at the Stafford Cemetery in Stafford, Kansas on a date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial in honor of Kent’s life to the Golden Belt Humane Society in Great Bend. Minnis Chapel, Stafford is in charge of arrangements.