Obituary of Wayne F. Kent

Age 69 of Pine Valley, NY passed into the loving arms of his Savior very unexpectedly on December 13, 2023. He was born June 12, 1954 to Ronald and Eleanore (Forrest) Kent. Wayne graduated from Horseheads High School in 1972 and spent his life on the family farm. He especially enjoyed caring for the animals and was an absolute pro at raking, baling, and stacking hay. And from April-October, he often did it all barefoot. Shoes were an optional thing, despite the many dangers. He also spent many years doing construction and roofing, and if he could get away with it, he did those barefoot as well. Wayne led a challenging life. Some of these challenges were self-inflicted, some a product of the times and the area, and some were simply a part of life. He endured, however, with a faith like Job. Wayne was the kind of person who wanted to help and “rescue” everyone. It didn’t matter what he was doing, or if he was down to his last dollar, if you needed him, he was there, no questions asked. In his spare time, Wayne loved to read. The Bible was always his favorite book, but he enjoyed reading anything and everything. To have a conversatio nwith him was always enlightening, because he seemed to retain everything he ever read and was well versed in so many subjects it was almost mind-boggling. In addition to doting on the cows and other farm animals, he loved cats and was rarely seen without one (or more) nearby. He also spent many years collecting and rebuilding vintage Cadillacs, guitars, and amplifiers. He and his brother Kenny taught themselves to play guitar as teens and mastered the craft beautifully. And then there was his voice...If you were ever fortunate enough to hear him sing, you were blessed. He truly had the voice of an angel and loved telling stories about his trip to Europe in 1973 to sing with the Horseheads High School Chamber Singers. He also sang with various churches and area choral groups over the years. Wayne loved his grandchildren dearly and rarely missed a recital, concert, or special event, and always showed up in a gray tweed blazer. Wayne was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Ken, sister-in-law Diane (Allen), niece Heidi (Kent) Catlin and nephew Ryan Scherer. He is survived by daughters Sarah (David) Wing of Horseheads, Katie (Jared) Morgan of Wellsboro, PA, son Daniel Kody (Lauren LaCorazza) of Horseheads, and stepdaughter Leona Carter of Elmira. His grandchildren Matthew, Ava, Madison, Parker, Evelyn, Mila, Knox, Benjamin, and Franklin. Nieces and nephews Andrea (Rick) Lewis, Alexis, Makayla, Jonathan, Samantha, Noah, Chloe, and Cory. Sister-in-law Betty Jean Kent, and aunt Luella Forrest who made the best pies. Former wives Norma (Kevin) Erickson and Karen (Tim) Thorpe who were still very special to him as well as ex sister-in-law Carole Scherer. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family, including his cousin Scott who was like his little brother to him. He is also survived by his dear friends Mary Brubaker, Blaze Brockway, Joellen Mulliner, Lenny Kemmerer, John Mahoney, Andy Stevens, Lane Wrenn, Nikki Depue, Joann Schwab, Tom Kaminski, Don at Music Depot and neighbors Michelle and Ryan and their son Ken. The family wishes to thank Mark, who came to know Wayne through leasing the farm for hunting, for his support and care of Katie and Madison on the night of Wayne’s passing. At Wayne’s request, there will be no services, but he will be interred at the Pine Valley Cemetery surrounded by his beloved Willowglade Farm at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will follow. In honor of Wayne, please do something kind for someone with no expectation of reciprocation or repayment, it will make the world a kinder place.