Kent Finis Baltzell, was born in Dallas, Texas on January 7, 1926. Kent was a successful land developer which afforded him the time to enjoy his passion of flying. He was the first American to fly over the Arctic Circle in a hot air balloon and participated in the first balloon race in Alburquerque, New Mexico. He flew everything from Ultra lights, aerobatic planes, fixed wing and helicopters. Mr. Adventure raised an African lion to be the worlds only swimming lion at that time. He scuba dived for sunken treasure off the Florida keys. Kent died peacefully at home on April 10, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Charles Baltzell of Dallas, two brothers, Charles Baltzell and Don Terry. He is survived by his daughter, Dotty Essex, grandchildren, Kim Essex and Phil Essex and his wife May; great-grandchildren, Bailee Essex, Avery Essex and Camryn Essex. He was a true Texas man in every sense of the word. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 17, 2014 at the New Life Christian Church, 18593 Bandera Road, Helotes, TX 78023.
