Charles Kent Dunford

Charles Kent Dunford (age 90) passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, January 11, 2024. His lifelong companion and sweetheart, Carolyn, was by his side at his passing. They were married on June 6, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary and Kent's 90th Birthday with their family this past summer -- a tribute to Kent's legacy and longevity. A beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and favored teacher, Kent's legacy includes six children, 26 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

Kent was born on November 12, 1933, the second of five boys to Lela Violet Christensen and Isaac Dunford. Kent's three primary loves in life unfolded in quick succession. He served an LDS mission in the North Western States Mission, his first foray into formal service for the faith that would define his life and career. After his mission, he completed a degree in History from BYU that heralded a lifetime love of learning and teaching. Kent received his Masters in History from the University of Colorado. His educational pursuits culminated in a Doctorate in Philosophy and History of Religion from BYU. Before finishing his undergraduate education at BYU, Kent met Carolyn Dunford, whose vibrance and light would provide the spark for his greatest love: his family.

For 37 years, Kent's vocation was as a teacher of the gospel for the Church Education System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kent taught in Copperton, Provo, Salt Lake City, Boulder (Colorado), San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Hawaii, Nauvoo, Buena Vista, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem (on five separate occasions). These locales were electrons circling the nucleus of his career at The University of Utah Institute (21 years). He was a master teacher of the gospel whose teaching and writing put an emphasis on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as depicted in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. In 1993, Kent completed his magnum opus: a book entitled "A Testament for Our Times." A significant contribution to Book of Mormon studies, the book provides insightful structure, enhanced understanding, and personalized meaning to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Kent's life was largely defined by his personal commitment to humanitarian and Church service. His leadership and teaching positions in the Church included service in a Stake Presidency, in a Mission Presidency, and as a Bishop. He and Carolyn served five couple missions; Hawaii, Nauvoo, Buena Vista (Virginia), Los Angeles, and Belize. They also served together for nine years in the Salt Lake Temple. Kent was a noble and humble servant to mankind in the service of his God.

In a life of deep loves, Kent also boasted a number of enduring hobbies and interests. He loved all sports, but his favorites remained tennis (which he played in college) and golf. He played both with his kids and grandkids throughout his life. He very nearly shot his age in golf in his early-80s and had five hole-in-ones.

Kent's love for learning governed his vocational and recreational pursuits. He was rarely to be found without a book in his hand, including between shots on the golf course. His tireless quest for learning, truth, and knowledge permeated every aspect of his life.

Kent was a loving, supportive, and engaged husband and father. Kent could be found where his kids and grandkids were, whether that be at a sporting event, theatrical and musical performance, or dance concert. He spent time with Carolyn and his kids traveling, playing, studying, and laughing. There is nothing Kent valued or cherished more than being with his family.

Kent is survived by his wife Carolyn and his six children and their spouses, Garth (Sara Abraham) of Salt Lake City; Chuck (Julie Jepperson) of Salt Lake City; Julie (Rex Pond) of Salt Lake City; Greg (Julie Hermann) of Star Valley, Wyoming; Shelley (Mark Hardy) of Salt Lake City; and Paul (Nalisa Riddle) of Salt Lake City; and by 25 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Duke and his great-granddaughter, Charlotte Rebecca.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Hillside Lane Chapel at 3750 S. Hillside Lane in Salt Lake City at 11 a.m. There will be viewings at the Hillside Lane Chapel on Friday, January, 19, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the morning of the funeral. Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery at 650 E 400 S., Centerville, Utah

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