Michael George Trent

2017, at Southeast Georgia Health System.

Michaelʼs life was one lived with great passion; he loved nothing more than a lively

political debate, a stack of political thrillers and detective novels, and a classroom

of minds he could mold. A consummate educator, he imparted knowledge and

wisdom, including his favorite lessons on might versus right, freedom with

responsibility and the mechanics of English grammar. He enjoyed his teaching

positions in Kansas City, first at Winnetonka High School, and later at The

Pembroke Hill School, where he would spend 33 fulfilling years.

Born to James and Louise Trent in Kirksville, Missouri, Michael attributed his

lifelong love of literature to his mother, who read to her children nightly from

classics such as “Robinson Crusoe” and “Treasure Island.” Michael earned his

bachelor of science degree in education from Truman State University in 1968 and

was one of the only students to be editor of both the newspaper and the yearbook

simultaneously. He later earned a masterʼs degree in mass communications from

Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri).

Immediately following college, Michaelʼs draft board allowed him to teach high

school English in Davenport, Iowa, for one year before being called to service in

the United States Armed Forces. Having worked as a reporter for the Kirksville

Daily Express newspaper, Michael anticipated he would take a similar position for

the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes. Instead, he was appointed to command

a six-man sniper unit in Vietnam. Following active duty, he remained in the Army

Reserves and was attached to a JAG corps for most of his career. At age 60, he

was recalled to active duty and served for 14 months in Kuwait.

In 2013, Michael and his adoring wife, Faith Hamilton-Trent, launched themselves

into their last adventure together by moving to beautiful St. Simons Island. He

found ultimate serenity walking the beaches and marveling at the beauty each new

dawn would bring.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James E. Trent Jr.

of Lake Livingston, Texas.

Michael is survived by his wife; daughters C.J. Trent-Gurbuz (Serkan) of Falls

Church, Virginia, and Sam Trent (Andre) of San Francisco, California; stepson Alex

Wendorff (Amanda) of Weston, Missouri; expected grandson A.J. Gurbuz of Falls

Church; stepgrandchildren Riley, Mikaela, Finn and Evie of Weston; sister Patricia

Trent Fast (Glenn) of Harrison, Arkansas; sister-in-law Doris Trent of Lake

Livingston; father and mother-in-law Alexander and Carol Hamilton of St. Simons

Island; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Michaelʼs life will occur on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, at 11 a.m. at

the First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island, 729 Ocean Blvd.