David L. Kent, age 72, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, surrounded by family at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Lee and Marilyn Kent, and his sister Karen Kent. He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter Jo Ling (Scott Conroy) and three grandchildren: Mira, Delancey, and Gwendolyn; son Jonathan; siblings John Lee (Bonnie) Kent, Jr., Cynthia (Mike) Strother, and Thomas (Gloria) Kent, along with cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

David was born in Jasper, Texas, on October 19, 1953. He was a member of the Jasper High School graduating class of 1972. Early on in David’s career, he worked as a seismic data analyst for Chevron Corporation. He finished his career with Minnetronix Medical Inc. In addition to his work, David liked to spend time with his family, play softball, and listen to his extensive vinyl record collection, as well as attend many live concerts. Among his favorite concert memories, he loved to share how he once did “The Twist” with Chubby Checker at A Taste of Minnesota (2005).

David was a lifelong, Amateur Extra operator class licensed ham radio operator and enthusiast, with call signs primarily based in Texas and Minnesota, including: KGØNH and WØRU. He was an active member of the Minnetonka MN Radio Club, including serving as club president. Over several decades, he made contact with fellow “hams” around the country and world. Whether on the radio, over the phone, or in person, he liked to come up with jokes and share them with whoever would listen. He found great joy in telling stories about growing up in east Texas. 

A family visitation will take place on February 12 prior to cremation. A funeral and celebration of life will follow at a later date at the Newton City Cemetery in Newton, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in David Kent’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation or The National Association for Amateur Radio (founded originally as the “The American Radio Relay League”, or ARRL) general fund.

Memories and condolences can be shared at: cremationsocietyofmn.com

A Celebration of Life for David L. Kent will be held at Beech Grove Baptist Church (10008 FM 777 Jasper, TX 75951) on Saturday, May 16. There will be a service at 11AM, followed by a luncheon. A burial will follow at Newton Cemetery.