Hardie Dean Kent

Jeanerette- Masonic funeral services will be held for Mr. Hardie Dean Kent, age 75, on Thursday September 1, 2016 at 11:00am at Beau Pre Memorial Park with Brother Bobby Hodnett to serve as the Celebrant. Masonic Rites will be conducted by members of the Franklin Masonic Lodge. Full Military Gravesite Honors will be conducted by the United States Army.

Visitation will begin at 9:00am at Beau Pre Memorial Park and conclude at the time of service.

A native of Marks, MS and longtime resident of Jeanerette, Mr Kent passed away on Saturday August 27, 2016 at 6:00pm as a local nursing home.  Mr. Hardie was born to Louis and Mildred Wigg Kent on September 4, 1940.  After graduating from Leland High School in Leland, MS, he joined the United States Army to proudly serve his country. During his 20 year career in the Army, Mr. Kent was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division and completed 3 tours of duty as a medic during the Vietnam War and earned a Bronze Star.  He also received training as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In 1979, Mr. Hardie received an honorable discharge, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

After retiring from the military, he worked offshore as a medic in the oil industry until his retirement.  Mr. Hardie was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Jeanerette. He also sang and was a member at Little Pass Baptist Church in Charenton and enjoyed singing in the choir at First United Methodist Church of Franklin.  Mr. Hardie became a Master Mason in September of 1984 and was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Knights Templar in the York Rite, a past Master of the Jeanerette Masonic Lodge #255, and a member of the Franklin Masonic Lodge #57.  He participated in many Masonic charities and was a part of the Franklin Lodge earning the Mark Twain Award in 2011-2012 which was the first time a lodge in Louisiana had earned it in 7 years.  In his spare time, Mr. Hardie enjoyed cooking and visiting with family and friends and helping others in the community.  His kind heart and good nature made him a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 46 years, Joy Jacob Kent of Jeanerette; daughter, Laura Kent Atkins and husband Sam of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Jacob Atkins-attending Ole Miss at Oxford, MS, Camille Atkins and Cade Atkins both of Huntsville, AL; one sister, Becky Breckenridge and husband George of Amarillo, TX; and one brother, Frank Kent and wife Brenda of Jonesboro, GA.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Kent.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Kent’s honor can be made to Operation Homefront by visiting https://www.operationhomefront.net/donate or the Franklin Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 344 Franklin, LA 70538-0344

Family and friends wishing to express condolences can sign the online guestbook.

David Funeral Home of Jeanerette, 400 Provost St. (337)276-5151 is in charge of arrangements.