Birth date: Feb 12, 1951 Death date: Jan 1, 2025
DECATUR- Kent Albert West, 73, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Born on February 12, 1951, Kent entered the world as one of the famed "Decatur Tripl Read Obituary
Kent was my first roommate at Bradley. We met during Freshmen orientation in July 1969 and signed up to room together - both of us terrified to leave it up to random placement. And though we'd only known one another 48 hours, we got along terrifically, double-dated at Homecoming that fall. Kent had an extraordinary collection of records, a terrific stereo, and two sets of headphones. Neither one of us had the best study habits, and though we had wildly different interests, we had an easy rapport. In a large part thanks to Kent, who was even-tempered, steady, and unruffled even in crises. We communicated over the years through direct messages on Facebook, usually my prompt, having heard a song from the fall of 1969 (i.e., the Fifth Dimension's hits, since they'd played Bradley in October; and Abbey Road was our nightly go-to). Music triggered me and took me back to Peoria in those halcyon days when we were both so young and unformed. Kent was a sweet, kind, generous man, and I was blessed to meet him at a crossroads in my life and his. I send my heartfelt condolences to his large, extended family.
Kent was my first real boyfriend. It was a short lived relationship but the Kent I knew was very sweet and kind. I’m so happy he had a good life with wife & daughters. The world is a little less than it was with Kent in it.
Gail
ada b owens lit a candle in memory of Kent West
To Kevin and Kim, I am so very sorry for your loss as I too have lost a brother. He was a friend to the three of you while at MHS. He would have been sad too, at Kent's passing. My prayers include you and your family, and wish you peace in this time of sorrow. Louisa Hunter (Tom Hunter's sister)
I cherish the many memories I shared with Kent. We loved to tell each other the latest joke we’d heard, but his were always better than mine.
One of my last visits with Kent was sitting outside at Vonderlieth. Two of us (members of Lea’s small group) took him a strawberry milk shake and he lit up with his big smile. He enjoyed every memory we brought up about his time in the old neighborhood.
God has prepared a place for his good and faithful servant.
