Arlan Kent Boyd, 75, of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 30, 2024. Kent was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, to John Curtis Boyd and Norma Paulene (Huckaby) Boyd on October 25, 1948. Eighteen years their junior, he joined his older brothers, Curtis Eugene Boyd and Donald Lee Boyd.
Kent attended Redfield Country School, Fort Scott Public Schools, Fort Scott Community College, and Allen County Community College. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for two years. Kent continued his military service for an additional 25 years, proudly serving in the Kansas National Guard.
On September 25, 1970, Kent married the love of his life, Amy (Spencer) Boyd, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, KS. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Angela Dawn Boyd Zerinsky Simon and Kristin Marie Boyd Bishop. Kent loved being a girl dad, but was thrilled beyond measure to welcome David Zerinsky, Jason Simon and William Bishop as sons. Kent bought each of them a pair of Key overalls to “welcome” them to the family. Teaching his sons, and later his grandchildren, to Bass fish became a priority for Kent.
Kent spent most of his life working in all aspects of construction; from the smallest of jobs for a neighbor to running multimillion dollar projects for a large company. Kent was always the go-to person for any job because he could do most anything and was trusted to do it well. Kent was an avid outdoorsman. If he didn’t have a tool in his hand, it was a fishing pole or rifle. As a passionate bass fisherman, he humorously told his daughters they were not allowed to get married or have children during a bass tournament weekend. Kent held several titles and had many nicknames over the years. Among all his monikers, “Poppy” was his favorite, lovingly bestowed upon him by his cherished grandchildren: AnnaMarie (Annie) Zerinsky Simon, Kendrick Ames Michael Simon, Winston Thomas Bishop, and Linden James Bishop.
Kent was an active member of the Mirza Shrine Temple in Pittsburg, KS, and the Masonic Devon Lodge #92 Valley of Fort Scott Scottish Rite. Kent took pride in his time as a member of the Elks Lodge, delivering meal boxes every Christmas and helping with the kids fishing tournament. Children have always delighted him and always brought a smile to his regionally famous blue eyes. He was known affectionately as “Mr. Kent” to hundreds of local children as he made regular appearances at New Generation Child Care and Preschool over the course of 32 years to fix whatever might have needed fixin’.
He attended the First United Methodist Church and was known for his love of people. Kent enjoyed socializing with friends and family at every opportunity. You could find him at the donut shop every weekday morning, the Sale Barn cafe on Saturday, and “choir practice” in Hammond on Sunday.
Kent will be remembered for his kind heart, ornery grin, and quick wit. He always ended every conversation with, “Love you, be good.” His legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Kent’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of “His Girls”- Amy, Angela,and Kristin that can never be filled, but his memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, July 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Kent Boyd Scholarship Fund for Construction Trades and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.