Kent Kevin Kenyon, age 60, of Raleigh, NC, died April 30 in Raleigh following a two-year battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 14, 2018, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, with a gathering time starting at 1:00 p.m.
Kent was born in Ames, Iowa, on July 17, 1957, the son of Rupert and Carmen Kenyon. He was graduated from Ames High School in 1975 and from Iowa State University in 1980, where he was an active member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity. He then attended dental school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City and was awarded his DDS.
After a short stint practicing dentistry in rural Iowa, Kent joined the U.S. Public Health Service as a general dentist. In that capacity, he spent several years on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and then moved to practice in the federal prison system in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has recently been a private contractor providing financial services for Woodfield Investments in Raleigh.
Kent is survived by his father, Rupert Kenyon, of Ames, his sister, Deb Dillon, of Prescott, Arizona, and three nephews. He is also survived by the family of his heart, Rod and Cory Miller of Raleigh, as well as an incredible group of friends in Raleigh.
Kent was preceded in death by his mother, Carmen Kenyon, and his brother, Scott Kenyon. Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
CAPT Kenyon was a very caring human being and a true professional who always paid attention to detail in everything he did. I had the honor of working with Kent from August 1995 to February 2002, in Butner, North Carolina.
Angel Rodriguez-Espada
Words cannot express what a valuable team member and friend KK was to our Woodfield group.
Any of you who worked with him, know the thorough manner that he did everything he handled.
It was hard to tell how ill he was over the past two years, as his work was always a priority to him.
Through many rounds of platelets and blood transfusions, stays in the hospital for chemotherapy and antibiotics, his constant companion was his computer!
His work kept him going when many times he felt like giving up.
The nurses would joke that he must work for monsters that kept him chained to his computer!
But the reality was he enjoyed what he was doing, and his work kept him occupied.
My favorite KK expression was “I’ll take care of it”.
And he would.
His legacy will live on at our office by the example he set for us all.
And yes, we'll miss the cackle and snorting as he worked!
Leslie and Mike Underwood
Dear Rupert:
("Mr. Kenyon" from when I worked at the Physical Plant with you many years ago.)
My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your son and of your wife some time ago. I'm so very sorry.
Please hold on to your happy memories. I'm sure there are many.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Big hug to you!
I still smile when I think of the sound you used to make banging your pipe on the ashtray in your office. As a receptionist, you made it easy for me to keep track of you. 😊 God bless you.
Marcia Moore ❤️
I miss him so. What a Character. When he would come to Ames he would stop in and we did the "cackle" laugh. Blessed to have talked to him many times in the last few weeks. RIP Brother
Kent was an all around great person. I cannot add anything here that has not already been said multiple times. You will be missed.
Like so many others, I remember Kent's energy and laughter. He was bright, supportive and I always instinctively smile thinking about his goofy moments and great punctuating cackle-laugh. I did not keep in touch with him...but reading of his warmth and work with others, I am very glad to say that I knew him---he has left the world better for being here and touched so many with kindness and help.
Kent was one of the funniest guys I ever knew - he was always making us laugh and it was never a dull moment when he was around. I will never forget him and know he is probably making everyone laugh in Heaven.
KK and I became fast friends while at Iowa State, and were able to pick up where we left off despite years without contact and living on opposite side of the country. For me, he was the rare friend that you will never forget. Until we meet again....
Dr. Kenyon was a good person. I was his Dental Assistant for several years and have many fond memories of him. We had some good laughs and some crazy days in the dental clinic. Rest in peace Kent.
Worked with Kent at the prison in Butner NC. Great guy. God bless you Kent, family and friends. The Lord is our shepherd....
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, IA 50010