With great sadness the Kent Family announces the passing of Fred L. Kent. Fred passed away unexpectedly on September 20, 2012 at the age of 67.
EARLY LIFE
Born on March 6, 1945 in Baltimore, MD, Fred was the eldest son of Leo and Mary Patricia Read more...
With great sadness the Kent Family announces the passing of Fred L. Kent. Fred passed away unexpectedly on September 20, 2012 at the age of 67.
EARLY LIFE
Born on March 6, 1945 in Baltimore, MD, Fred was the eldest son of Leo and Mary Patricia Kent. In early childhood his family relocated to Kansas where he was raised in the town of El Dorado. Fred attended El Dorado High School and was senior class president, graduating with the class of 1963. In the early seventies, he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and attended Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
CAREER
Fred is the former president and chief executive officer of First Credit Union. He dedicated his entire career, more than 37 years, to the credit union movement. His charm, spirit and intellect combined with his passion touched the lives of countless people who had the pleasure of working with him. It has been said that Fred's contributions to First Credit Union and its members are immeasurable and undeniable. To this extent, he was awarded the prestigious Very Outstanding Credit Union Person (VOCUP) Award in 2005. Fred was president and chief executive officer from 1988 until he retired in 2009.
PERSONAL LIFE
In the early nineties, Fred found true and unconditional love. On August 26, 1994 he married Alletta Keely Funderburg. Alletta was the love of his life and he always referred to her as "Honeybun." She brought the best out in Fred, and encouraged him to do what he loved most. Golf was a true passion for Fred, and he could be found almost every day of the week on the golf course with Alletta. It was his favorite pastime and his love of the game and expertise was unequivocally handed down to his sons and grandsons.
While his early years were focused on developing his successful career, without a doubt his driving force was the deep love of his family. Fred was very generous and had a huge heart in parallel with his huge contagious smile. He had the ability to easily convert a room full of quiet individuals into a room roaring in laughter. It is for these reasons that his passing has stunned his entire family and friends, being received with unbearable sadness.
FAMILY
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Alletta M Kent. His sons, Darin (Gina) Kent of Phoenix, AZ and Matt (Nikki) Funderburg of Cincinnati, OH. His daughters, Kelli Kent of Mesa, AZ and Melisssa (Eric) Funderburg-Hrejsa of Tucson, AZ. His sisters, Terry Kent of Ventura, CA and Gerry Heckman of Sun City, CA. His brothers, Daryel Kent of Bakersfield, CA and Ed (Patty) Kent of Manitowoc, WI. In addition Fred is survived by nine grandchildren, Candice, Trey, Haley, Harrison, Alicia, Elena, Anthony, Collin and Daisy. Fred was preceded in death by his father, Leo Kent. His mother, Mary Patricia Kent. His sister, Glenda Kent Ennis.
SERVICES
Memorial services will be held Sunday November 11, at 1:00 pm. Oakwood Country Club 24215 South Oakwood Boulevard Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Memorial contributions may be made in Fred's name to the following organizations:
Please check this site regularly for updated information regarding memorial services. In addition, you may send emails to Gina.Kent@cox.net
Announcements
See the latest announcements by the Memorial Curator
Latest Announcements:
October 1st 2012
SOLICITING PHOTOS:
If you have photos of Fred that you would like to share, you can add them to the photo album on this site, or simply email them to Gina.Kent@cox.net and they will be uploaded.
MEMORIAL SERVICE ATTIRE:
Please feel free to wear your golf attire to the memorial service if you would like!
ACCOMODATIONS:
For your convenience, below are the closest hotels nearest Oakwood Country Club.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chandler
1200 W Ocotillo Rd
Chandler, AZ 85248
1-855-809-3505
Distance from Oakwood Country Club: 1.45 mi
Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix Chandler/Fashion Center
1221 S Spectrum Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85286
1-866-599-6674
Distance from Oakwood Country Club: 4.25 mi
Hampton Inn Suites Phoenix Chandler Fashion Center
1231 S Spectrum Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85286
1-855-799-6860
Distance from Oakwood Country Club: 4.25 mi
Memorial Wall
Write your condolences or share a memory with your friends and family on Fred Kent's memorial wall.
Dear Kelli and Darin,With heavy hearts on the eve of your Dad’s service, Duane, Teresa and I wanted to express our deepest sympathy to each of you and your immediate families, and to the extended Kent family. We all have very fond memories of your Dad. Something I read somewhere – “Somehow the sweetest memories shine through the sadness.” Love, Nancy
Nancy Kent ,
November 09, 2012
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Dad, I still listen to the two voice mails you left me on my cell phone. I will never delete them! Listening to them make me cry, but they also make me laugh because you were so naturally funny. I am so grateful that you left me those voice messages!! I cant tell you how honored I am to have been your daughter-in-law these past eleven years. I tried my best to impress you with all my home cooked meals and I am going to miss that. I also will miss telling your son "You better watch it! Im gonna call your Dad and tell on you!" I lost my wine drinking buddy, and it just doesn't feel the same anymore.
Gina Alabado Kent ,
October 24, 2012
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It is with great sadness that I read of Fred's passing. I worked for Fred as his Executive Assistant at J.L. Bammerlin Postal Federal Credit Union! We kept in touch for many years after I left the Credit Union. I did not get a chance to see him when he retired, for which I will forever be sorry! I can hear that giggle just looking at his picture. Rest in peace my friend.
Susie Baldwin ,
October 22, 2012
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Fred, I'm sure that by now you have confessed to your Dad that we used to sip a little of his liquor and then refill the bottle with water. Remember to keep your head down and follow through. You are always well regarded my friend.
Dan Warren ,
October 16, 2012
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I have known Fred since we were in high school. He and my brother, Dale Daniel,Jr., were best friends. I was just the little sister, but Fred was always nice to me. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family
Kathryn Franklin ,
October 09, 2012
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Fred was the best guy you ever would want to know. A great golfing buddy and all around good man. I will miss him.
Monty Montgomery ,
October 07, 2012
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I think it was 1976 when I met "Mr. Kent". Fred was like a dad to me and I enjoyed growing up with such an influence. I'm sure Darin, Kelli, Teresa, Duane and ALL have been so blessed to have Fred in their lives. I would spend a lot of time at my "2nd home" on Corrine and enjoyed being around the family. I can thank Darin (and Fred) for getting me into golf. So much time has passed and now we come to this ever so painful point in life. Fred lives on in many of us and his influences in life are very evident. Thank you all for allowing me to be touched by your Dad, Husband, Uncle, Grandpa, Brother. I hope to see many of you to celebrate (and cry) as we remember on great man, Fred Kent. With my condolences and prayers, Jim Sperduti.
Karen Ready Sperduti ,
October 03, 2012
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I will miss Fred so much, he was my first husband and the father of our two wonderful children, we married very young and grew up somewhat together and had good times. He was with me during a great tragedy in my life and he supported me during that time. He did a great job raising our kids and was also forgiving to me and included me in their lives. For that I am so grateful. I just know he is playing golf up there and cutting it up, and having a grand old time. My love to Aletta and of course my kids and grandkids, such a loss for all of us. Who will I argue Politics with?? God is taking care of him and he is missed so much.
Marita Frayne ,
September 29, 2012
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Fred was such a fun loving uncle. I have so many wonderful memories of him laughing, smiling and most of all making others laugh. He had a zest for life that was contagious. It is with his passing that we have lost one humorous, thoughful and loving man. Sending my love to you up there on the 19th hole, sink a hole in one for us!
Jacklyn Hofer Winton ,
September 28, 2012
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I cannot believe my Dad is gone. I will always remember as a little girl watching 60 minutes on Sunday with him. It is still my favorite show. He was a darn smart guy and I truly respected and trusted his financial advice. I whispered in his earbas he passed now he can see my bank account all the time! ;) I cry...and cannot believe my father who drove me out here from Kansas with my brother....is gone! I love you Fred Kent....and am so devastated you had to leave me.
Kelli Kent ,
September 27, 2012
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The first time I met Fred was Christmas 3yrs ago. Fred and Alletta opened their home to me and I was felt very welcomed in their home... He will be missed. thanks Fred you will be missed.
Pamela K Hrejsa ,
September 26, 2012
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First time I meet Fred I think I was 16 I'm 38 now he was a wonderful father and a wonderful husband to my mother they were always together unless he was golfing I will miss him deeply still can't believe he's gone :( I love u Fred u always have a place in my heart
Missy Funderburg-hrejsa ,
September 26, 2012
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He was one of the best ~ I think he knew how to be a friend to all ~ was the best brother anyone could hope to have ~ memories of him in El Dorado are too numerous to write but he was always smiling ~ you are missed my brother ~ love you always... Terry
Terry Kent McBreen ,
September 26, 2012
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Very sad to hear of Freds' passing,only time will help you cope. I remember nights spent at the family home on summit street with Gerry, Fred would always tease us about something but it was always done good naturedly he was always a very kind and respectful guy and in crossing paths with through the years, he never changed. Again,I am deeply saddened for your loss.
Vikki Demo-Myers ,
September 26, 2012
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