David Marshall Gent

SMSgt. David Marshall Gent, 62, of Cabot, Ark., entered heaven's gates Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. He was born July 27, 1951 in Ukiah, Calif. to his parents Grover Cleveland Gent Jr., birth mother Leona Francis Wellington, and Bernadine Allen Gent; he is also preceded in death by his brother, Paul Gent; and sister, Susan Huffman. Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Laurie Pearson Gent; children, Jephri Hanks (Jacob) of Carlisle, Chad Kerr (Kim) of Heber Springs, and Sara Winn (Justin) of Cabot; grandchildren, Codi Houle, Jordan Shinall, Preston Kerr, Taylor and Hudson Winn; siblings, Michael Gent (Toni) of Jonesboro, Patricia Dorton of Jonesboro, and Scott (Tanya) of Barnhart, Mo; 10 nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and great nephews; and many other extended family members. He served his country well, having been in the US Navy and Air Force with 31 years of unbroken service. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, among several others. David graduated from Westside High School of Jonesboro, Ark. in 1970. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cabot. David had a Christian singing ministry, and his voice was angelic. He enjoyed reading and playing golf, though his passion was with G&L Hunting Club near East Camden for many years. Funeral services will be conducted by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will be this Sunday from 2–4 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 301 S. Pine in Cabot. Funeral services will be Monday, 11 a.m. at the church, interment will follow at 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock. Afterward, food and fellowship will be hosted at the church. Officiating the services will be Pastor Dan McDougall (Mac). Our family would like to thank the staff of ICU Stepdown and the Hospice unit at the VA hospital in Little Rock, for their wonderful compassion and care of David since mid-January, as well as friends, neighbors and church. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cabot. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.