Kent Smith, 54, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2017. He was born October 23, 1963, in Inverness, Florida.

Kent graduated from Citrus High School, received his Bachelor's Degree from Florida State University and his Masters in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Kent loved college football and enjoyed rooting for his Alma Mater, the FSU Seminoles. 

Kent worked many years with the youth of his church as well as in our community. He was a role model and inspirational leader to so many who have gone on to become great men and women of faith. He also taught them that no matter what job you have, what career you choose, your mission field is right in front of you. Nothing made him more proud than to see those he loved, succeed.

Several years ago, Kent felt a calling on his life to stand in the gap for those whose voices become silent. Sadly while standing in that gap one night, he was brutally attacked trying to protect one of the many, many he has been able to save from violent domestic relationships. If Kent were here to speak to us, he would tell us not to be sad, for he was doing exactly what he needed to be doing. The person he was there to help is safe and like Kent lived, he died; "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John15:13)

He was so proud of his children, Caleb, Maryann and Megan along with the love of his life and wife, Jill.  Their time spent here on earth was just a warm up to the great reunion they will have one glorious day. 

A celebration of Kent's life will be held at the Bartlesville Community Center at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday 12/27/2017.  In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to his favorite charity, St. Judes Children's Hospital.