Richard "Dick" Allen Kent

Richard “Dick” Allen Kent, Sr., 88, of Palestine, IL, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at Arbor Rose in Robinson, IL. Born on October 31, 1936, in Montgomery Township to Paul & Frances (Hanover) Kent, Dick’s life was guided by the simple yet profound motto he lived by: “We were put on this earth to help each other.” And help others he did, in every way imaginable.

Dick grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work and resilience. When his parents moved into town, he and his beloved wife Carolyn bought the farm, ensuring that the legacy of his childhood continued. It was around the time he purchased a new Oldsmobile that he first caught Carolyn’s eye. As the story goes, Norris Adams once quipped, “Not only did you get a new car, but you got a new girl, too!” That was just the beginning of a beautiful partnership that spanned nearly 68 years.

Dick began working for the Illinois Central Railroad in 1955, where he served as a brakeman before being promoted to conductor in 1964. For 35 years, he balanced his demanding job on the rails with his responsibilities on the farm, often working himself to the point of exhaustion. Dick’s work ethic was relentless, unyielding, and always done with excellence. In fact, Carolyn recalls a day when the heat was so unbearable that he passed out twice while working, yet he pressed on until the job was done. He returned home that evening so drained he didn’t have the strength to open the door—he had to knock for Carolyn to let him in.

When Dick wasn’t working, he was giving back to the community he loved. His contributions to Palestine are too numerous to list fully, but some highlights include his 16 years on the town board and his 6 1/2 years as mayor from 1998 to 2004. He was a true “working mayor” who didn’t stay on the sidelines. Whether it was bringing the iconic caboose to Main Street, co-chairing the Labor Day Parade, or building wooden trash containers to beautify downtown, Dick had a hand in nearly every community project. His attention to detail and commitment to beautifying Palestine earned him widespread admiration. Twice, in 1998 and 2004, he was honored as Senior Citizen of the Year—a fitting recognition for a man who put his town’s needs above his own.

Despite his many responsibilities, Dick always found time for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who delighted in making memories with his loved ones. Summers were often spent at Kentucky Lake, where he and his son Rich would rise at daybreak to check trotlines before spending the day fishing. Vacations with Carolyn took them to places like California, Myrtle Beach, and even Hawaii—twice! They also developed a love for line dancing in their retirement, a passion that took them to events across the region. They even taught line dancing at Lincoln Trail College, surprising their children with their newfound hobby. Dick’s playful spirit endeared him to his grandchildren. He had a knack for making them laugh, whether by clattering his false teeth or engaging in boisterous tickling matches. He never held a baby until they were old enough to play with, preferring instead to roughhouse and tease. His grandchildren fondly remember him as a hands-on grandpa who didn’t just watch from the sidelines—he was right in the middle of the action.

In addition to his family and community, Dick had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who spent countless hours at the 20-1 Club and even took his trusted rod and reel with him on trips to Ontario and Myrtle Beach. He also kept two gardens—one in town and one at the farm—where he grew everything from cantaloupe to 40-lb watermelons. His love for nature extended to animals, though he had a notorious disdain for cats, famously declaring, “The only good cat is a dead cat!”

Dick was deeply involved in numerous local organizations. He was a Worshipful Master Mason and a member of the Palestine Lodge for 62 years. He served as a Scout leader, a member of the Farm Bureau, and an active participant in the Palestine Development Association, LaMotte Creek Watershed Committee, and Crawford County Troop Support group, among others. Whether it was selling ribbons to support the troops or working on beautification projects like Maddox Park, Dick approached every endeavor with enthusiasm and a heart full of generosity. It should come as no surprise, then, that faith played a central role in Dick’s life. He was a dedicated member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board and often sang specials during services. (He also lent his voice to weddings and other special occasions.) His faith wasn’t confined to the church walls; it was evident in the way he lived his life, always putting others first and offering help wherever it was needed.

Dick Kent lived a life of purpose, service, and love. He never did anything halfway—whether it was fixing a problem, leading a community project, or making someone laugh, he always gave it his all. His legacy will live on in the family he cherished, the town he treasured, and the countless lives he touched. He taught us all that life is best lived when it’s lived for others.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; their children, Rich (Melanie) Kent and Jill (Riley) Anderson; his grandchildren Maranda (Chad) Charles, Eric (Toni) Rariden, Haley (Sky) Collins, Brittany Kent (Micah Atencio), Kayla (Rick) Mendenhall, Kiley (Mason) Hurst, Mandy (Corey) Green, Tasha (Justin) Cafin, Carrie (Donald) Messel, Amy (Garen) Charles, Casey Anderson, and Nick Anderson; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Helen Justison; his brother-in-law, Terry Miller; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends who felt like family. Dick was preceded in death by his grandson, Daniel Garrard; his sister, Janet Lang; his daughter-in-law, Teresa Kent; and his brothers-in-law, Bill Lang and Roland Justison.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A Masonic service will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service, conducted by Pastor Kyle Bailey and Celebrant Curt Goodwine. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the service will be available at https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the "Alzheimer's Association" or to "Grace United Methodist Church", with envelopes available at the funeral home.