Date of Birth:  4-4-24

Place of Birth:  Green City MO

Dr. Kent married his wife, Doris, a registered nurse, while in college.  They have been married fifty-five years and she has been his constant companion, technician, nurse, and office manager.  “Without her, my practice would not have been successful or as enjoyable.  While doing all of the above, she and I had six children.  These six children were all educated through grade and high school in Green City; and all six graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia.”  Children are as follows:  Richard Kent, received D.V.M. in 1974, joined in Dr. Kent’s practice and is now the sole owner; Michael Kent received B.S. in Agriculture in 1974; Shirley (Kent) Riley received a B.S. in Nursing in 1976; Patricia (Kent) Nullmeyer received a B.S. in Nursing in 1978; Thomas Kent received a B.S. in Agriculture in 1980; William Kent received a B.S. in Agriculture in 1984.  In addition, reports Dr. Kent, “We now have nineteen grandchildren, nine of whom are in college this year.”  (As of October 2004)

When asked when he decided to become a veterinarian and why, Dr. Dr. Kent responded that after he returned from being a Marine in WWII, he decided to become a veterinarian.  He grew up in a rural area and was the first in his family to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Kent received a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Missouri in August, 1949, entered the College of Veterinary Medicine in September, 1949, and received his D.V.M. in 1953. He remembers the close relationships developed between his classmates and the faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Kent practiced in Green City MO in a general practice 1953-1993.  His first case was a cow down with milk fever.  “I injected 500cc of Calcium Gluconate IV.  She got up and chased me out of the barn lot.  This turned out to be one of many miraculous cures for this condition.”  His first practice was an office and small animal clinic building.  About twenty years later, a drive-in large animal clinic building was added.

Dr. Kent feels the most important advancement in veterinary medicine has been the discovery and improvement of antibiotics and vaccines for treatment and prevention of diseases.  He believes there will be more multi-practice clinics with more specialties in the future.

Dr. Kent has retired, but occasionally treats animals.  He enjoys spending his time traveling and has a farm with a cow-calf operation.

Awards/Honors:

Missouri Veterinarian of the Year - 1987

Offices Held:

MVMA – Vice President 1983

MVMA – President Elect 1984

MVMA – President 1985