Kent Franklin Kehler

Kent F. Kehler, age 93 of Grand Junction CO passed away at home under hospice care.  Kent was born in Monte Vista Colorado to Clyde and Mildred (Helmick) Kehler.  He grew up in Center Co on the family farm until his high school years when his father moved the family to California, where Kent graduated from high school.  After graduation he moved back to Colorado working briefly. Kent married Lila and joined the US Army. Kent and Lila union had 3 sons out of this marriage.  During his brief time in the military he was deployed to Japan, while in Japan a crate was dropped on him breaking his back, which ultimately led to his Honorable Discharge in 1951 at which time he moved back to Colorado and eventually moved his family to Boise Idaho where he worked for Simplot.  Kent went to work for Boise State College and the Meridian Bowling Lanes.  Some of his best times were spent at Boise State College where he was the person who started up the Intercollegiate Women’s Bowling Tournament. In 1999 Kent was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Boise Idaho for his contributions to the Women’s Bowling Program, he was put in there by his “kids” in the bowling program that he taught.  He always talked very highly of all of the “kids” in the program, he loved the time he was able to spend with them at Boise State.

In 1967 Kent married Lori and of this union they had one daughter.  Shortly after that Kent moved his family back to Center Co to help his brother-in-law run his farm equipment business.  After a few short years Kent purchased this company from his brother-in-law and ran his own business for several years before his health made him need to move to a lower elevation.  So in 1984 the family moved to Grand Junction.

In late 1989 Kent once again found love with Barbara.  They were married in April of 1990 and were happily married for 33 years before his passing.  Kent and Barbara’s marriage made his family go from 4 kids to 6 kids and several grandkids and great grandkids.  Kent and Barbara enjoyed traveling all around visiting family and just site seeing.  Kent never met a stranger, no matter where he went.  He loved getting people to laugh and he was very good at accomplishing that. Kent is going to be missed by so many friends that he has made through the years.

Kent was proceeded by his parents, Clyde & Mildred, Sisters Doris, Clydena, EllaMae, and daughter-in-law Lynn.

Survivors include his wife Barbara of 33 years, sister Joyce and husband Donald, sons Keith, Boyde, Kurt and wife Terri, daughter Sheri husband Lamar, daughter Jennifer husband Ray, son Kriss wife Kim.  Kent has 24 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren with 3 more due this coming year.  Kent is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Services will be held in the spring of 2024.