Kenneth Gentry

Kenneth H. Gentry, age 68, of East Leroy, passed away at his home on Monday, June 11, 2012. He was born March 26, 1944 in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1962. Ken served in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He held many jobs which included, billing for a trucking firm, Fort Custer State Hospital, Eaton, Kingman Museum and Adult Education. Ken attended Kellogg Community College and then went on to Michigan State University where he earned Bachelor of Science and Masters Degrees. He began his teaching career at Northwestern Junior High School where he taught math and science. Ken later transferred to Urbandale Elementary in 1975, where he taught 5th and 6th grades. He retired from teaching in 2000. Ken loved his students and missed them after retirement. He was known for telling many childhood stories. Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Burt; mother, Bernice Gentry and father, Al Gentry. Ken is survived by the love of his life, Sandra; his daughter: Heather (Clark) Shaffer and son: Keith Gentry both of Battle Creek; step-daughters: Lisa Henderson of Davenport, FL; Heather (Paul) Sheldon of Elkhart, IN and stepson: Anthony Simmons of Paia, HI, and eight grandchildren. Ken loved to travel (platinum elite with Northwest for 6 years), to play cards and games with friends and family, read, watch TV and movies, and play computer games. He enjoyed nature and was a licensed pilot. He especially liked to spend time with his granddaughters, Nora, Grace and Paityn. Visitation for Ken will be held on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. A private committal service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

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