Kent Douglas Priest, of North Platte, died suddenly on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney at the age of 56.
Kent was born June 12, 1962, in North Platte to Kenneth Dean and Maxine June (Fuller) Priest. When he was very young, he lost his dad so he and his sister, Denise, were raised by their mom and stepfather, Marion Hornkohl, in North Platte. Kent went on to graduate from North Platte High School with the Class of 1980 then attended Mid-Plains Community College and worked for Priest/Hornkohl Bulk Milk Hauling, his mom’s business.
On August 17, 1987, Kent married Jennifer Renee Minerd at Ogallala. They made their home in North Platte where they raised their son, Austin.
On December 1, 1997, Kent went to work for the Nebraska Dept. of Roads (NDOR), which is now Nebraska Dept. of Transportation, and had been with them ever since. He liked what he did and was awarded Employee of the Year for NDOR.
Kent was passionate about his work with the Masons and Shriners. He was an active member of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM, Scottish Rite where he was a 32° KCCH, Tehama Shrine Temple and the North Platte Shrine Club. Over the years he served each organization in various positions including Past Master of the Lodge, Potentate of Tehama Shrine in 2013 and was currently serving as the North Platte Shrine Club Secretary and Treasurer. Kent could be seen selling onions and circus tickets for the Shrine Club and participating in parades with the North Platte Puddle
Jumpers, among other things. He was also a member of Valley Christian Church, Eagles Aires #2839 and the Moose Lodge.
After 31 years of marriage, Kent and Jennifer still looked at each other with a warmth and fondness that never faded. Jennifer was his best friend, companion and no doubt, soul mate. They traveled extensively, on vacations and adventures, often in a vehicle with never a moment of silence. Kent proudly became a grandpa to Emma Violet in 2017 and spent as much time with her as possible, pushing her in a swing, gathering rocks from the alley and practicing going up and down the stairs.
Kent was a jovial and caring man who was generous and giving. He drew great strength, comfort and joy from his family and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. He was taken too soon and will be greatly missed.
He leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, their son and daughter-in-law, Austin and Lisa Priest, and granddaughter, Emma, all of North Platte; sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Bob Peterson, of Elgin, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Barb Minerd, of Hershey; aunt, Phyllis Priest, of North Platte; niece, Leah and husband, Jamie Carlyle; great niece and nephews, Heaven, Riggin and Creed; special friends, Tim and Lorie Wilson, of Hershey; as well as other family, friends and the Bretheran.
Along with his dad, Kenneth, Kent was preceded in death by his mom and stepdad, Maxine and Marion Hornkohl; and father-in-law, Bob Minerd.
Funeral Service with Masonic Rites will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2019, at Valley Christian Church. Burial will be 2 p.m. in the Miller Cemetery i Tryon, Nebraska. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Tehama Transportation Fund or Lincoln County Historical Museum. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.