Henry Van Kent (76) of Bartow, Florida, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Henry was born on October 12, 1947, in Oneonta, Alabama to Dewey and Edna Kent. His family moved to Florida when he was a boy, and this is where he called home. He attended Bartow High School and graduated in 1966. The very next year Henry enlisted to serve his country in the Vietnam War as a Paratrooper in the United States Army Company A, 82nd Airborne.

He married Ruth Rowand on May 14, 1971, and became a stepfather to Brian and Melissa Knox. On July 25, 1975, they had a daughter, Alicia Nicole Kent.

He wore many hats during his lifetime, had numerous hobbies, and always delighted in dancing to the beat of his own drum, with a twinkle in his eye and a song in his heart. He loved his family and enjoyed Elvis, music, poetry, working with his hands, gardening and horses.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents Dewey Kent and Edna Eller Kent; his three brothers Jimmy Kent, Charles Kent and Garland Kent. He is survived by his daughter Alicia Nicole Kent Andrest (David); grandsons Truin Andrest and William "Billy" Andrest; brothers Tom Kent and Richard Kent; sisters Louella Wallace and Katie Joyner. His memorial service will be held Monday, November 27, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. at the Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel. He will be interned at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.