Charles Edwin Kent III's Obituary
With deep gratitude for a life built on kindness, curiosity, and honest work, the family of Charles Edwin Kent, III marks his passing on January 20, 2026, at the age of 79. Charles shaped the world around him with skill, wisdom, and love. His presence endures in the things he built, the lessons he shared, and the hearts he touched. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he was admired for his steady humor, thoughtful nature, and the craftsman’s care he brought to everything he touched.
Born in Richardson, Texas, to Virginia (Jackson) and Charles E. Kent, Jr., Charles grew up with a love of learning and a fascination for how things worked. His early years were filled with tinkering, reading, and exploring—traits that defined him throughout his life. When the family moved to Syracuse, New York, he adapted easily, graduating from Jamesville-DeWitt High School in 1964. Though he spent formative years up north, Texas always remained his compass, and he returned home soon after graduation.
In 1966, Charles joined the Naval Air Reserve, training at Great Lakes Naval Air Station and Hospital Corps School in San Diego before serving as a Hospital Corpsman at Naval Air Station Olathe, Kansas, during the Vietnam era. His service reflected his compassion and sense of duty, shaping his lifelong respect for service, humility, and quiet strength.
After returning to North Texas State University (now UNT), Charles—known as “Chuck” to family—began a career defined by adaptability. He managed Safeway stores, represented Pepperidge Farm, and led Carrier Corporation’s service operations in Houston and Beaumont. Later, as a Veterans Counselor with the Texas Workforce Commission, he found one of his most meaningful callings—helping fellow veterans find jobs, resources, and renewed confidence.
Charles also found fulfillment in hands-on work as a handyman, applying his wide range of craftsman skills to help friends, neighbors, and clients. In 2001, he opened and operated a local mail center, where he enjoyed connecting with customers and serving his community.
Charles married Silvia Sandler on Valentine’s Day, 1995, in Maui, Hawaii—a celebration that perfectly captured their shared love of adventure and travel. He was previously married to Patte Bledsoe Kent, with whom he shared his beloved children, Jennifer Kent Autry (Jimmy) and Charles E. “Chip” Kent, IV (Stacey). He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, teaching by example that knowledge mattered, curiosity was worth pursuing, and a steady hand could build almost anything.
Charles’s life was rich with interests that reflected both intellect and creativity. He loved the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling—and found deep satisfaction in working with his hands. A natural craftsman, he built furniture, turned wood, shaped pottery, and experimented with glassworks. A lifelong car enthusiast, he delighted in restoring and racing vintage and muscle cars in his younger years.
His curiosity was boundless. Charles loved music of every kind, from The Beatles to African drumming, and his home was often filled with sound and discovery. His impressive vinyl collection reflected his eclectic taste and open mind. He was fascinated by archaeology, ancient civilizations, and treasure hunting, and he never stopped reading or learning. If something intrigued him, he studied it until he mastered it.
In 2003, a sudden fall left Charles disabled, changing the rhythm of his days but not his spirit. Though the accident ended many of his physical pursuits, it did not diminish his humor or curiosity. He never complained. Instead, he faced challenges with courage, grace, and perspective—showing the fullest measure of his strength through resilience and adaptability.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Matthew Kent. He is survived by his wife Silvia, his children Jennifer (Jimmy) and Chip (Stacey), his grandchildren Carrie Autry, Kellie Autry Holloway (Brendan), Ashton Kent, and Brant Kent, his great-grandson Laytan Aron Holloway, nephews Benjamin Kent (Heather), Samuel Kent (Julie), Greg Sandler, Josh Sandler (Kristen), Evan Sandler (Alyssa), Jake Sandler, and niece Meg Sandler, along with extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.
Charles believed in the dignity of honest work, the value of learning, and the joy of creating something lasting. He built things that endured—furniture, friendships, and a family bound by love and respect. His legacy lives on in the wood he carved, the people he helped, and the quiet strength he shared.
A Celebration of Life will be held in March 2026. Details will be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, the family invites remembrances in forms meaningful to you: a song played, a day outdoors, a kindness extended, or a story told in his honor.
Charles Edwin Kent, III — a craftsman in wood and in life, whose patience, humor, and enduring love will be treasured always.
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