Richard "Rick" Trent

Richard “Rick” Trent, 59, passed away February, 26, 2013 at his home in Des Moines, after a brief battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Des Moines.

Rick was born May 27, 1953 to Howard and Virginia Trent in Des Moines. He graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School in 1971 where he participated in wrestling. Rick graduated from DMACC and then worked for several automotive companies. For the last 33 years he worked for Swackhammer Farms. Rick was an active member of the AA group in Norwalk for several years.

Rick’s love of farming began at a very early age when he used to help his Grandpa. The best part of farming for him was the life-time friendships he made over the years. Contentment rarely eluded Rick, as he truly was a simple man with a quick, dry wit. He was a deep thinker and quite observant. Listening to him share his reflections made you either really think or just laugh out loud. While he liked to come across as the tough guy, he was gentle at heart, especially when it came to animals, kids and friends. You couldn’t help but like him.

Rick is survived by his brother, John (Joyce); sister, Linda (Jack) Alber; three nieces; two nephews; four great-nephews; one great-niece; and three great-great nieces. He will also be missed by his dear friends, Steve and Michelle Swackhammer and their entire family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald Trent.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Lung Association or the Animal Rescue League.