Kent Enyeart

Melvin Kent Enyeart was born August 17, 1941 in Clay Center, KS to Rev. Earl L. Enyeart and Bernice (Switzer) Enyeart. He baptized on September 21, 1941 in Abilene, KS and passed away at home on February 2, 2020. He was a son of a Methodist minister, and his family moved a lot. He most fondly recalled memories of his youth spent in Green, KS.

He graduated from Centre High School in 1959 and soon after began his military service, joining the U.S. Air Force on January 9, 1960. He later joined the Army and was quickly deployed to Vietnam. He proudly served until returning home to Esbon, Kansas on March 28th, 1968.

That summer, while cruising Mankato in his Mustang convertible, he met Brenda Jean Morris. They fell in love and were married on May 9th 1969 settling in Mankato, KS. Kent and Brenda were blessed with the birth of their sons, Casey and Aaron in 1973 & 1977. Kent spent many happy years as their Boy Scout leader and loved scout camping trips to Lake Kirwin and Camp Brown, Abilene, KS. To keep his military pension, Kent took a position as a local letter carrier for the USPS and was a fixture around town delivering mail for over 26 years. Kent also continued his life of service as a volunteer fireman and EMT. Kent’s love of cars and working on engines enabled him to work as a mechanic and ultimately opening his own small business, Kent’s Automotive, where he enjoyed servicing the automotive needs of the community.

After his retirement from the Post Office, he continued to work part time in his shop, selling Echo equipment and repairing and sharpening chains and mower blades. Kent was mechanically inclined and enjoyed tinkering in the shop, working on his 1953 Ford pickup and Allis Chalmer tractor. Kent loved his shop cats, especially Callie, who would curl up on his chest when he was working under a vehicle. He was confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church on February 20, 1972 and served on the board of church properties for many years. Kent and Brenda faithfully maintained the East and West Lutheran Cemeteries for many years. After having the cemetery researched and doused, Kent placed railroad spikes in the ground to mark the location of over 100 unmarked graves.

He served as post commander of VFW Post 7830 and enjoyed cooking for the members at monthly meetings. Chili (and he liked it HOT) and biscuits and gravy were among the favorites. He won several local chili cook-offs after perfecting a recipe first accidentally born from a “cooler failure” during a boy scout camp out. Kent enjoyed traveling to both coasts, Florida and Puerto Rico and loved to ride his motorcycle. He first rode in England as a young man while serving in the Air Force and continued riding throughout his life. In 2000, he and Brenda, and friends rode to Sturgis, SD and Branson, MO for the motorcycle rally. Kent was also an avid reader. When he wasn’t busy with his other duties, you would often find him pouring through a stack of books, sometimes reading serval books a week, to the amazement of his family. When questioned on how he could read and retain the knowledge of a book so fast, he would gladly offer to be tested on the contents of anything he read and would always be able to tell you any specific fact you could test him on. In 2006 and 2007, Kent welcomed the birth of two granddaughters, Meron Elizabeth and Riley Catherine. Numerous trips to Oregon were taken to visit and care for the girls when they were younger. He was an honest, straight forward, and humble man who loved his family deeply. He and Brenda were fortunate enough to celebrate their 50 year anniversary together with family and friends 8 months before his passing.

Kent is survived by wife, Brenda Enyeart, sons, Casey (Lauren Andronici) Portland, OR, Aaron, Ulysses, KS, granddaughters, Meron, Riley, Portland, OR, sister Cynthia ( O.B.) Johnston, Red Oak, OK, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bernice Enyeart, sister Lucretia Smith and infant brother Harold Dean.

Private family Inurnment was held 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at the East Lutheran Cemetery with Pastor Dennis Beckmann officiating. There was no visitation.  Melby Mortuary in Mankato is in charge of arrangements.