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Celebrating the life of
John Kent VanGuelpen
February 18, 1963 - November 13, 2020
John Kent VanGuelpen of Savannah passed away on November 13, 2020 with family by his side, ending his courageous fight against ALS. In addition to parents, Kent was preceded in death by his brothers, Bill and Mark.
Kent was born on February 18, 1963 to the late Bill and Ramona Van Guelpen. The family resided in Middletown, Ohio where Kent graduated from Lemon-Monroe High School in 1981. He then went to work, first at Trader Publishing for 21 years, then on to long-term bartender and manager positions. In every part of his life’s journey, Kent made so many friends and helped to create the memories that they now hold so very dear. He was fun loving and a people person, attesting to many jobs he held in the service industries and life-long friendships that he so easily developed and maintained, no matter where he resided.
In 1997, he met his life partner, Donald Boyd, who never left Kent’s side, even up to the last moments of his life. From Middletown, the two moved to Akron, Ohio and for the past three years have called Savannah their home.
Kent was an amazing cook and had a big heart, always welcoming friends and family into his home for a meal and lots of laughter. He had a vast array of pets that he loved and cared for throughout his life, his most recent being his fur-babies, Winston and Wyland. Others always marveled at Kent’s green thumb too, and he was happy to share his skills, knowledge and the plants for all to enjoy. If you liked scary movies, Kent would be the first to make popcorn and settle in with others for a good scare.
In addition to Donald, Kent is survived by sisters, Gayle Vanlandingham and Marla VanGuelpen, nephews, Blake, Kirk and Leon, along with so many other heartbroken friends and family members in Ohio.
Services will be held privately by the family.
In lieu of flowers, they ask for donations to the ALS Association of Georgia in Kent VanGuelpen’s name.
A candle has been lit!
My many prayers to you, Don, as part of my ALS family.
- Donna Carter, Rincon, GA
My condolences to the family. Don my thoughts and prayers are with you. You and Kent were the best neighbors ever. Your friendship, warmth, and all the fun times we had are in my memories forever. I never had a green thumb and couldn’t keep a plant alive to save my life. The beautiful plants Kent gave me are flourishing in my home, he lives on. I thank God for the years we had together.
- Terri Atkinson , Stow, Ohio
I love you brother and never forget your kind heart and the fun time we had together and funny jokes. Love you kent rip
- Glenn berger, Akron, Ohio
Love you always Aunt Kent
- Allyson Kline, Cincinnati, Ohio
Kent made my time in Dayton oh amazing. And after I moved back to the east coast I was always happy and a tad shocked to get a random text or call. It always made my day and and brought back loving memories. Don I love you and my door is always open
- Mark sister girl epps, Newark , Nj
Our deepest condolences. We are right next door if you need anything!
- McCoy, Savannah, Ga
Kent was a wonderful person, and I greatly enjoyed our conversations we had. He always knew how to brighten my day, and he was such a loving guy. He is dearly missed to me and many others who love him. May he Rest In Peace. Don - I am here for you whenever you need someone to talk to.
- Jake, Tampa, FL
I would like to send my deepest condolences at this sad time.Kent was an amazing person and I am so lucky to have had the pleasure of having him as a friend. I will miss him deeply. Gene Chavers
- Gene Chavers, Dayton, OH
Our condolences to the family...Don our thoughts and prayers are constant for your loss...My brother i love you, im here for whatever and whenever you want or need...My brother Kent you will be missed always, may you shine forever like you did in life
- Paul Weaver and Peggy Hurley, Troy, Ohio
Gayle, Marla, Don and the rest of the family, I was so sad when I learned of Kent's illness and heartbroken for you all when I read that he had passed away. Although I have a wonderful life in New Brunswick I have always been sorry that our move to Canada put so much physical distance between us. I only got to know Kent as a young child and never had the chance to meet you, Don, or to know you, Gayle and Marla, as adults. Though we live far apart please know that I am holding you all close in my heart.
- Corky (Van Guelpen) Woods, Hampton, New Brunswick, Canada
I’m so sorry for your loss. Kent was an amazing man. He lit up the room when he came in. Kent and I got close so quick when he came to Donald’s sisters house! I’ll always remember his funny, sweet, ornery personality. Prayers to you all!
- Halie Kennison (Fuge), Troy, Ohio
A candle has been lit!
I worked with Kent at the Hard Rock I'm so very sorry for your loss he was a great guy
- Nadine , Cleveland , Ohio
I met Kent way back in the early 1990's. He was a friend of my best friend Eddie Curl. I remember how kind and friendly he was. And his great hair! My heart goes out to all his family and friends grieving for such a great loss. Bless you all. Mel
- Mel Crumb , Roanoke , Va
I'm so sorry for your loss. Kent was a character never a full day while working with him at Walmart. Everyone is in my prayers.
- Sue Baker, Tallmadge, Oh
A candle has been lit!
- Gayle Vanlandingham, Riverview, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Private Service Will Be Held