Rondale Kent
Rondale “Rosebud” Kent, 71, was born July 30, 1950 in Mt. Vernon to the late Allison Joseph and Cora (Huffman) Kent. He departed this Earth to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at his residence, after declining health at the age of 71. His loving wife, Sheila, and nieces, Yvette (Kent) Shultz and Tammy (Kent) Wolfe were at his side.
He is survived by his wife Sheila (Dye) Kent, the love of his life whom he married March 20, 1983, at Riley Chapel Baptist Church by Rev. Ernest Ollis; brother, Paul Kent of Loudonville; sister, Wilma (Kent) Loy of Mt. Vernon; numerous nieces and nephews; special nephew, Curtis Kent (as they were raised as brothers); many extended family and friends; Godsons; Chris Adkins, Matt Adkins, Alex Murphy, Jessie Brady, Justus Brady, Lewis Brady, and Lucas Brady. Ron had no biological children, but many called him “dad”.
Ron was a member of the Rock of Ages Church on the Hill (texting ministry) and attended Riley Chapel Baptist Church. He was also a pantry volunteer for the Free Pentecostal Holiness Church. He loved the Lord Jesus and stood for what was right. His favorite scripture was Noah’s Ark.
Rondale was very proud of winning the Little League District Championship when he was growing up. He graduated from River View High School in 1968, where he played football, baseball, wrestling and was a member of the Honor Society. His name was on the original deed for the farm purchased by the FFA. He attended Dover Computer Tabulating School which closed its doors before he finished. He was a reunion committee member for the past 2 class reunions.
Rondale was a true “hippie”, loving his long hair and tie dye t-shirts. He missed the first Woodstock when their vehicle broke down enroute.
Rondale was a good ole country boy that left his mark not only in people’s hearts, but on Coshocton as well. In May 1966, at the age of 15, he helped dig the grave at Darling Run Cemetery for Cletus Reese. In high school he worked for Kno-Ho-Co along with Jimmy Darr, and cleared the land that is now River View Community Park in Warsaw. When laid off from Clow in the early 70s, he was hired at Lake Park clearing the canal for the “Monticello” canal boat. (He only totaled three dump trucks doing so). These parks are now Coshocton County landmarks.
He began employment at Clow Water Systems in April of 1969, where he earned the nickname, “Rosebud”. After 45 ¼ years, he retired in June of 2014. For 42 years, he worked tirelessly for the USWA #7014 Union. As a Union Steward, negotiating committee member, and holding all offices except president. He even rewrote their union contract. During layoffs, he worked at BFI in Elyria and Flxible in Loudonville. During his years at Clow, he was involved in their sports; softball, basketball, volleyball, golf, archery, and bowling. As well as hosting union parties. In 1983, he was on-screen in the film “Heart of Steele”, starring Peter Strauss & John Goodman, which was filmed at Clow.
Over the years, Rondale was a member of Kinderhook Archery Club, Coshocton Club, Traditional Archery, and an advisor for Whispering Pines 4-H Club for five years.
He was an active member of the Apple Valley Fish Club, and a lifetime member of the Coshocton County Sportsman Association, where he was a Safety Rifle Range Instructor.
Rondale was a people-person, and enjoyed telling stories, hunting, fishing, decorating cakes, playing “Santa” for over 25 years, needlepunch, and archery golf.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ralph E. Kent (1999), and Karl L. Kent (2016); sisters, Marguerite Huffman (1925), Evelyn “Irene” Totten (1989), and Shirley Darnold (1993); and good friends, Mike Smith and Dave Adkins.
As per his request, Rondale has been cremated (with his hair first being donated to those in need). His request was for an old fashioned wake to be held in his honor at the Coshocton Co. Sportsman’s Association, 21280 TR 283 Coshocton, OH 43812, on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow, officiated by his wife, Pastor Sheila Kent. A meal will be provided afterwards, with music and a time of fellowship and memories. The Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is handling arrangements. www.fischerfuneralhome.com
Memorial donations are suggested to Riley Chapel Baptist Church, 33715 TR 373 Warsaw, OH 43844.
Category: Obituaries
