David Byron Kent, 95 years old went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2019.  

He was born on November 18, 1923 in Table Rock, Nebraska to Marvin and Ida Kent.  While growing up, he lived on a farm in the Table Rock area and attended school there.  On April 29, 1944 he married Rita Marie Clark in Seneca, Kansas.  David was enlisted in military service from 3-1-1945 to 8-13-1946.  He was in the Army but served on Navy ships, on the Pacific side of the war.  David crossed the Pacific Ocean three times, one time on the Melody which was a merchant marine ship, and two times on the Hope. On these ships he served as a nurse to the wounded.  He obtained this position because he had given shots and medicines to animals while growing up on the farm.  While in the service, Rita traveled with Dave to his different assignments.  They had fond memories of this time in this journey together.        

Four children were born to this union:  Mary Jane, Dennis Kay, David Allen and Joyce Ann.  David was a farmer and Rita worked alongside him, living the majority of their time in Pawnee County.  David liked the outdoors- tending the animals and watching the crops grow.  He loved to visit with people and had an interest in history.    

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ida Kent.

He is survived by his sister, Marilyn Louise Hanson; his four children and spouses which are:  Mary Jane Kent and Emmett Gyhra of Table Rock; Dennis Kay Kent and wife Rita of Cortland, David Allen Kent and wife Mary of St. Joseph, MO.; and Joyce Ann Spencer and husband James of Copper Canyon, TX.  David  has 10 grandchildren, which are Alissa Hestermann and husband Braden of El Paso, TX; Wesley Gyhra and wife Laurie of Waverly, NE; Mitchell Gyhra of Table Rock NE; Anita Urio and husband Richard of Overland Park, KS, Elizabeth Glenn and husband Stephen of Riverton IA; Seth Kent of Pickering MO.; Amanda Kay Cramer and husband  Brandon of Firth, NE; Ashley Lynn Christline and husband Cody Lawrence, KS.; Kent Andrew Spencer and wife Monica of Copper Canyon, TX; and Julie Ann McCormick and husband Jerry of Anadarko, Ok.  

David has 18 great grandchildren, which are:  Brock, Blake, Arlington, and Alyandra children of Alisa and Braden Hesterman; Brielle, Aleigha, and Emmery children of Wesley and  Laurie Gyhra;  Deborah, and Caroline Urio children of Anita and Richard Urio; Grace, Collin, Levi, Jane, and Charlie children of Ashley and Cody Christline; Reagan and Brynlee children of Amanda and Brandon Cramer; Taylor and Avery children of Kent and Monica Spencer.  David is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Officiating Pastor John Mark Hanson.  Visitation on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Memorials to family choice. Full Military Rites provided by Pawnee City VFW Post #5289 and Nebraska Army National Guard Honor Guard.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.