Trent England

Born on May 3, 1933, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Trent led a remarkable life marked by dedication to his country, family, and career. A graduate of Clarksdale High School, he pursued higher education with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Mississippi State University’s School of Engineering and later obtaining a Master’s Degree in Systems Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Trent’s service to his country began when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1951. After graduating from Aviation Electronics School, he was assigned to fighter squadron VF-141 at Miramar Naval Station near San Diego, California. In February 1954, he deployed aboard the USS Randolph (CVA-15) for European Naval Occupation, serving in the Mediterranean until his return to the United States in August 1954. Honorably discharged in January 1956, he remained in the Navy Reserves for four additional years. His service during the Korean War earned him the National Defense Medal—an honor he held with great pride.

Following his military service, Trent embarked on an extraordinary career that included significant contributions to space exploration. As a project engineer for Near Earth Telemetry with NASA, he played a vital role in missions to Mars (1967 and 1969), Venus, and deep space between 1967 and 1971. He coordinated telemetry requirements for the Viking mission—the first successful landing on Mars— while working with NASA at Langley Research Center in Virginia. His contributions to the Apollo 11 mission were recognized with an award from NASA for his “dedicated service to the nation as a member of the team which advanced the nation’s capabilities in aeronautics and space and demonstrated them in many outstanding accomplishments culminating in Apollo 11’s successful achievement of man’s first landing on the moon, July 20, 1969.”

In 1971, Trent transitioned into business and education. He moved to Kosciusko, Mississippi, where he partnered in England and Ferguson Insurance before founding England Micro Computer to design and develop insurance software. Later, he became an instructor for Industrial Maintenance at Holmes Community College before relocating to Booneville, Mississippi. There, he designed and taught a Robotics course at Northeast Mississippi Community College while also providing industrial training classes throughout the region. Even after retiring, Trent continued sharing his expertise by instructing industry professionals—including those at Toyota—until he and his wife returned to Florida.

Beyond his professional achievements, Trent cherished time spent with family. He found great joy in family activities and celebrations, particularly trips to the mountains for whitewater rafting adventures on the Nantahala, Ocoee, and Chattooga Rivers. A man of deep faith, he was saved as a young boy and remained steadfast in his devotion throughout his life. He was actively involved in Baptist churches wherever he lived, serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher while also mentoring youth groups.

Trent is survived by his beloved wife Ann; children Todd England of Booneville, Mississippi; Sarell Franklin of Palm Bay, Florida; Shannon England (Kerry) of Rome, Georgia; and Troy England (Beth) of Mac- Clenny, Florida; along with eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Leola England, as well as seven sisters and two brothers.

A memorial service will be held on April 7, 2025, at Central Baptist Church, located at 2503 Country Club Rd., Melbourne, Florida 32901. The service will begin at 10:30 AM with a fellowship gathering immediately following. Trent will later be laid to rest with a private ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida. All are welcome to pay respects at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation at www.panfoundation.org.

Trent’s legacy of service, innovation, and devotion will be remembered by all who knew him.

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