Don E. Kent, 75 of Traverse City, MI passed away March 11, 2016 at his home after a long battle with cancer. Don was born May 23, 1940 in Highland Park, Michigan to Don C. Kent and Bonnie R (Nelson) Kent of Trenton, MI. Don is survived by his wife Lynne (Pearl), son Steven Kent of Seattle, WA, daughter Elizabeth (Lisa) Hudgens, son-in-law Pat Hudgens, beloved granddaughters Sara and Christina Hudgens of Novi, MI. He is also survived by his mother Bonnie Kent of Arizona, brother Dr. James Kent (Cheryl) of California, nieces, nephews, brothers-in law, sisters-in-law and cousins.

Don loved sports, his friends and working on the boat he shared with his big brother Jim. While attending Trenton High School, Don played varsity football, basketball, baseball, track and was a member of the the Thespian Society. He was President of the Student Council, President of his Junior Class, Treasurer of the Varsity Club and National Honor Society member. Don had the honor of being Trenton's "Mayor for a Day". He met his true love, Lynne Pearl, in high school. After graduation he attended Western Michigan University to pursue a degree in business. Don pledged Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity where he enjoyed the brotherhood and served as Treasurer. He also enjoyed playing club hockey for WMU.

Don and Lynne married in 1962. Soon after, Don joined the Navy to become a pilot. He began his Naval career in Pensacola, Florida where they welcomed their first child, Elizabeth Anne, known as Lisa. After a move to Lakehurst, New Jersey they soon added son, Steven Andrew, to their family. Don had multiple tours during his years of active duty. As a helicopter pilot for the HC-4 (Helicopter Combat Squadron) he served on the Westwind, USS Wright, USS Springfield, and Edisto. Great stories of circumnavigating the Arctic Circle, stops in Greenland, Iceland, encounters with Russian planes, polar bears and ports throughout Europe and the Mediterranean were plenty. After many years in the Naval Reserves, Don retired as Commander Don E. Kent.

He and Lynne raised their family in Traverse City where he was a member of Central United Methodist Church and active in the community. In addition to being a hockey coach and soccer referee, Don was the President of the TC Hockey Association, a member of the finance committee for TC Osteopathic Hospital and served as President of the Northwestern Michigan Association of Underwriters. They made many dear friends through Newcomers and Reeberom Club.

Don continued his education at San Diego State University where he received his Masters in Accounting and earned his CPA.

Don and Lynne explored the West with moves to Colorado Springs, Colorado and Peoria, Arizona where he continued his career as a controller.

Retirement brought time for Don's passions; photography, hiking, tennis, and computers. Always a leader, he served as president of many clubs and cherished his many friendships.

Don and Lynne recently returned home to Traverse City to enjoy friends and be nearer to family.

Don is remembered as a good soul, a kind, patient, humble man of the highest integrity, a wise and loving husband, father, grandfather, a wonderful son and brother, loyal friend and a darn good pilot.

A memorial service will be held on March 26, 2016 at 11:00AM at Central United Methodist Church. Pastor Dale Ostema will officiate.

Memorial contributions in memory of Don may be directed to Munson Hospice, 1150 Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.