Emmore M. Dent

DENT, Emmore Marvin
Of Kalamazoo, Emmore Marvin Dent passed away May 23, 2010 in Kalamazoo, MI at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born August 3, 1921 in Miles City, MT. His parents were Edgar and Randi Kregnes Dent, early Montana homesteaders in Garfield Co. He graduated Custer County high school, receiving his diploma after returning from military service in WW II. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserves in 1942, serving on the USS Fair, D.E. - 35, for 17 months in the South Pacific war zone, the Battle at Okinawa being their last scene of operation. While serving on the USS Fair, he served the entire commission of the ship, earning the status of Plank Owner. On June 18, 1947 at Alba, MI Emmore married his wife, Mary Lucille Hawley Dent who survives. Their children are: Randi Shaff deceased, Irene Kenn Livingston, John Rhonda Dent, David Sherry Dent, Rosemary Larry Norwood, and Christine Richard Saddler. 14 grandchildren: Edgar Kristi Moon Shaff, Nicole John Ridderbos, Jacob Dana Wozniak Shaff, Emilie Shaff, Erik Savannah Palmer Livingston, Amy David Christianson, Aaron Britt Dent, Kimberly Roger Claflin, Stephanie Jarrett Sidaway Dent, Brittany and Jennifer Saddler, Elena, Brian and John E. Dent. Great-grandchildren: Quintin Davis, Blake and Braidyn Dent, Alex and Alyssa Ridderbos, Natalie, Carmen and Daniel Christianson. Mr. Dent worked 25 years for Michigan Civil Service, retiring as Rest Area Coordinator in a nine-county area. At time of above retirement, he also retired as a Chief Petty Officer in the US Naval Reserves, completing 20 years of service. His hobbies were woodworking, collecting stamps and recycling. He also grew large vegetable and flower gardens each year. He and his wife, Lucille, traveled extensively throughout the US as well as making two overseas trips, one to the British Isles and another to Norway to visit cousins. 13 winters were spent in Florida before their final retirement. He was pre-deceased by his parents, and brothers, Ernest, Charley, George Dent, sisters, Marit Sorinne and Bertha Oscar Hagen. Many nieces, nephews and cousins survive in Michigan and Montana. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3-7 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, where a Masonic Service by Mattawan Masonic Lodge #268 F & AM will be held Wednesday evening at 5:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Thursday at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Mattawan. Interment with full military honors will be in Genesee Prairie Cemetery. Memorials in Emmore's memory may be directed to Tillers International; Augusta VFW Post #7956; or Hospice Care of SW Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, guestbook, condolences and memories for the family.