Donald Kent Smith was born in Colorado on November 27, 1946, and died at his home in Cope on January 19, 2025 at the age of 76.
Kent’s family moved to Southern California in his early youth. Kent graduated from Garey High School in Pomona, and was a member of the football team. Upon graduating, Kent joined the United States Navy, and served on the USS John Adams submarine in Hawaii and Guam. After being honorably discharged, Kent earned a degree from California Polytechnic State University, and went on to earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. During Kent’s career as a therapist in California and Colorado, he worked in juvenile boys’ treatment facilities, a federal prison, and for the county.
In 2005, Kent and his wife Carole Rae moved to Cope. They always loved rural eastern Colorado, especially their extended family and the community. After Carole’s death, Kent remained widowed until marrying his best friend Theresa, who died two months before him.
Kent is survived by his loving son Bryan, daughter-in-law, three grandsons, and his beloved dog Sampson.