Kent E. Fowler, age 64, entered eternity Thursday, June 20, 2024, at his home in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born February 16, 1960, in Elkhart, the son of Schyler Lynn and Jo Ann (White) Fowler. He was loved dearly by his parents and siblings from the get-go.
Kent was born and raised in Elkhart and graduated from Elkhart High School in 1978. He ran on the track and cross-country teams, played drums for the school band, and participated in church youth group. Muscle cars, motorcycles, farming, guitar, skiing, and his rock-and-roll music were some of his passions. On November 20, 1978, Kent received what would become his biggest passion in life, Dusty Wayne Fowler was born. Kent could not have been prouder to have a son to live life alongside. He and his family opened the K&D Gas Station in 1984, later going into business with his extended family as they purchased Elkhart True Value together in 1986. Kent went on to have two more children, Nickolas Lee, and two years later, Sheena LeAnn. They worked hard to make many wonderful memories together. Kent never failed to let his kids know how proud he was of them.
During these early years he enjoyed raising Charolaise cattle, going on hunting trips every fall with his buddies, visiting his home away from home in Eagle’s Nest, New Mexico, as often as he could, and he worked diligently alongside his family to build Elkhart True Value into a store that could meet the needs of his community through selling hardware, lumber, paint, building supplies, and more. Later, they bought a greenhouse outside of town and built a new hardware store and lumber shed next door. Now, one could buy any sort of gardening supplies one could need as well. Kent thrived most when someone would come in for help with a problem to solve related to anything building or hardware related. Gardening issues? Well, he would be happy to find Rhonda for you. He never hesitated to loan out tools, fix small issues free of charge, scour the world for a part that was needed, or just shoot the breeze over a cup of coffee with his customers.
He married Kathryn Richardson on November 27, 2004, in Elkhart and he and Kathryn worked to build a beautiful life together over the next 19 ½ years. Kent was blessed with two more daughters when he married Kathryn (or his angels as Kent would say), Katy and Emily. He treasured his family, especially Kathryn. He knew he was at his best when he was with her. They loved traveling to see their kids, going fishing together, dreaming up new house projects, working in their yard and garden together, and most of all cheering their grandkids on in any sporting event. He never failed to brag on his wife, kids or grandkids when the opportunity arose.
Kent was active around his community and was passionate about serving various capacities. He attended the Elkhart Church of the Nazarene for his entire life and served the Lord in many capacities. Being a firefighter was a duty he didn’t take lightly. He served for 22 years and oversaw the city fireworks show for several years. He also served as a first responder with the ambulance. He responded to many fire calls and was eager to help wherever he could by driving the ambulance just about anywhere they asked, day or night. He dedicated many Friday nights to work the chain gang for the Elkhart High School Football team. Agriculture was close to Kent’s heart and he always looked forward to supporting the youth exhibitors through purchasing animals at the Morton County Fair Livestock Auction for over 35 years. He loved his community.
Kent is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn; son, Nick Fowler and wife Kory of Imperial, Nebraska; daughter, Sheena Trahern and husband, Gavin, of Tontitown, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Tracy Fowler of Turpin, Oklahoma; daughters, Katy Andrews and husband Kody of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Emily Arthur and husband, Andy, of Midland, Texas; his mother who was near and dear, Jo Ann Fowler; brother, Eddie Fowler and wife, Ruth; sisters, Rhonda Haar and husband, Bill, and Tonnah Perkins and husband, Tim, all of Elkhart; grandchildren, Braxton, Riley and Reagan Fowler, Hayden, Grady and Landry Fowler, Embree, Lainey, Bryson and Huxton Trahern, and Kole and Kendall Andrews; grand-dogs, Moose, Edith and Frannie; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Kent treasured each and every one of them. He also left behind many friends and customers he dearly appreciated.
Kent is preceded in death by his father, Lynn, and son, Dusty. If you knew Kent, you likely heard much about both. They were incredibly special to him.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Nazarene in Elkhart with Reverend Jimmye Cole officiating. Interment will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, June 28, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Memorial contributions may be given to the Nazarene Church Wednesday Night Program in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.