MENDOTA - Kent E. Smith, 64, of Mendota, passed away Feb. 3, 2022 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford surrounded by loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10 at Victory Baptist Church, Mendota with Pastor Steven Breedlove officiating. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Kent was born Dec. 16, 1957 in Peru to Walter “Ed” and Jean (Currie) Smith. He married Mercy Harris on Aug. 4, 2001 in a waterfall ceremony in Bureau County.

Survivors include his wife of Mendota; three daughters, Abbie (Dillon) Mattingly of Manlius, Bryanna (Nick) Kunz of New Bedford and Mecca (Sal) Guerrero of Ohio, Ill.; a step son, Robert Romanoski; a step daughter, Christina Romanoski; one sister, Terri (Michael) Smith of Peru; and eight grandchildren, Landen Mattingly, Maci Mattingly, Maya Kunz, Brantley Kunz, Colton Kunz, Jasper Guerrero, Lincoln Guerrero and Amelia Guerrero.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gary.

Kent was a 1977 graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School. He was an active member of Victory Baptist Church and a Blue Cap leader for Disaster Relief. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and belonged to the Christian Motorcycle Association. He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He also loved to go fishing and hunting.

Memorials may be directed to Victory Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.