Rev. Kent R Jarvis

After a long and hard fight with brain cancer, he stepped over into Heaven’s glory peacefully, surrounded by family. He was born on December 4, 1961 in Worland, Wyoming. He grew up as a pastor’s son, seeing the mighty hand of God at work first hand. Kent was called by Jesus into the ministry, and served his first ministry assignment at the age of twenty four years old. He has continued to serve faithfully for the last thirty four years in ministry, acting as the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone he came in contact with.

In life, he had many passions that he frequently shared with his family, friends, and ministry companions. Kent was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Indians Fan, attending and watching all games possible with his spirit wear close by. He was a brilliant musician and music composer, which he shared with many of those he led in music ministry, as well as congregations he ministered too. He also loved golfing and boating. More than anything else in life, he was passionate about his relationship with Jesus and the Word of God. A devoted disciple of Jesus, he gave all he had to teaching people God’s Word and sharing the gospel everywhere he went. Even through each treatment and surgery, he gave every breath to telling people about the saving grace of Jesus. Kent was passionate about giving to his children and his spiritual children to raise them up in the Word and ways of God through their seasons of life and family. All qualities and character traits about him pointed to Jesus in every way, as does his legacy and memory.

Kent was an ordained minister through the Assemblies of God, and was an associate of Messenger Fellowship International. Kent served in ministry at several churches in his lifetime. He served in Findlay, Ohio at Findlay First as youth pastor. In Lorain, Ohio at Church on the North Coast and Woodbridge, Virginia at Christ Chapel as the music minister. Kent’s final assignment, was eighteen plus years of service to Akron First Assembly of God as senior pastor. His impact on the city of Akron and the body of Christ was evident. Participating in the Akron Community for Transformation of Society (ACTS), Love Akron Ministry, and so many other ministries that cared deeply for the people of Akron, Ohio.

Left to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lauri Jarvis of 33 years, parents Charles and Janice Jarvis, sisters Cris (Paul) Helman and Cara (Matthew) Worley; children, Rachel (Matthew) Peterson, Ryan (Monica) Jarvis, Kyle (Jordan) Jarvis, Cullen Jarvis; grandsons Jason and Jesse Peterson, granddaughter Charlotte Kent, and several nieces and nephews.

We look forward to the day we are reunited with him in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that donations would be made in honor of Kent Jarvis to Akron First Assembly’s Mission Fund. They can be mailed to 1175 West Market Street, Akron OH 44313. You can donate online at https://www.akronfirstag.org/online-giving, and select “Missions” in the drop down menu.

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM LAURI JARVIS:

As most of you have heard, my beloved husband, Kent, went home to be with Jesus in the early hours of April 10, 2020. Good Friday. Although Kent’s body will lie in the grave, Kent is alive, with Jesus, and most certainly worshipping Jesus, the one whom he served passionately, and faithfully every day that I knew him. He never wavered in his faith, but only wanted to know Jesus and serve Him more each day. Thank you for the overwhelming response of Love and Support from so many. My heart is so full of love and support from each of you.

With that being said, these are unusual days that we are living in. We have had to come up with unusual ways for us to honor Kent and his life on this earth. We hope that you will find ways to join us in celebrating Kent’s life.

VISITATION: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Akron First Assembly (Behind the Manor).

We will be holding a drive in visitation. As unusual as it might seem, he was a part of many people’s lives and we felt it very important to provide this opportunity. We will have the casket under a tent and cars will drive underneath the carport. You will be able to stop for a few minutes to visit, but we will keep those visits to a minimum. The family will be there to greet you. There will be a traffic pattern that you will need to follow. There will be one way to enter and one way to exit. Please follow the traffic pattern.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Facebook Live Service 10:00am

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Rose Hill Burial Park 3653 W Market St Fairlawn Ohio 44333 11:30am.

All are invited to join us at the graveside. There is a long road that faces where he will be buried so many will be able to see. The funeral home says you can get out and stand by your car if you prefer but you must stay by your car. We hope that you will be able to join us.

Unfortunately we will not be able to join together for a meal due to COVID19.

One more request that we have as a family. One of Kent’s many passions was missions. Most of you probably know that about him. We are requesting that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the AKRON FIRST ASSEMBLY missions fund in his honor so that even in his death we will be able to provide more support in helping missionaries reach the World for Jesus. Donations can be sent to 1175 Market Street Akron Ohio, 44313 or you can donate online at www.akronfirstag.org/online-giving Select Missions in the drop down menu.