Kent DeMars

Born on August 9, 1943, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Kent devoted his life to family, friendship, and the game of tennis. Although his coaching career took him across the country, Columbia, South Carolina, became his home beginning in 1984. In his final years, he lived at Still Hopes, where he formed many treasured friendships and was deeply loved by the staff whose kindness and compassion brought great comfort to both Kent and his family.

Kent was the beloved husband of the late Susan Murdoch DeMars and a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen McLeod and her husband, Reaves McLeod, and Kristen Rutledge and her husband, Reeves Rutledge. Nothing brought Kent greater joy than his five granddaughters: Carlyn, Lauren, Mollie, Emmy, and Margo, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

He was one of six children born to Walter and Dorothy DeMars. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Susan, and his siblings Carole (Jim) Carpenter and Kim DeMars. He is survived by his siblings, Michele Fey, Kevin (Stephanie) DeMars, and John DeMars, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Kent graduated from Assumption High School in East St. Louis before attending St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, where he played four years as the No. 1 singles and doubles player for the tennis team. He later earned a master’s degree in zoology from Miami University in Ohio.

His coaching career began at Peacock Military Academy before returning to his alma mater, Assumption High School, where he taught biology and coached tennis. In 1974, he established the men’s tennis program at SIU Edwardsville and built it into a Division II powerhouse. His teams won an unprecedented seven consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships, producing dozens of All-Americans and future professional champions.

In 1984, Kent was named head men’s tennis coach at the University of South Carolina, where he spent the next twenty-six seasons building another nationally respected program. He guided the Gamecocks to a program-best 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. His 390 victories remain the most in program history. During his career, he coached fifty-seven All-Americans, numerous NCAA champions, Olympians, Davis Cup players, and Grand Slam champions.

Kent’s accomplishments earned him many of the sport’s highest honors, including the ITA Wilson National Coach of the Year Award, the ITA Meritorious Service Award, seven ITA Region II Coach of the Year honors, induction into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame, the SIU Edwardsville Athletics Hall of Fame, the ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Tennis Hall of Fame, and the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.

While his résumé was extraordinary, those who knew Kent best will remember something far more meaningful. He possessed an uncommon ability to connect with people. He recruited not only talented athletes but remarkable young men, believing that character mattered just as much as winning. He was patient, encouraging, thoughtful, and generous with his time. Former players often spoke of him not simply as their coach, but as a trusted mentor whose advice continued long after graduation. He celebrated their successes, stood beside them through life’s challenges, and remained a friend for decades.

Away from the tennis courts, Kent found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed his monthly poker game with some of his best friends for nearly forty years, right up until his final month. He loved bridge, traveling, cheering on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, and following the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. Some of his most treasured times were spent with family and friends at the Lake of the Ozarks. Kent taught countless kids how to ski, drove endless boat rides, and even encouraged his kids and family to “jump off the roof” if they were brave enough.

Above all else, Kent loved his family. He was a devoted husband and cherished the years he shared with his wife, Susan, until her death in 2006. His greatest pride was watching his daughters build beautiful families of their own and spending time with his granddaughters, whose accomplishments, personalities, and milestones brought him endless joy.

Kent lived a life defined by integrity, humility, generosity, and service. His influence reached far beyond wins and championships. It lives on in the thousands of players he coached, the colleagues he inspired, the friends he cherished, and the family who loved him so deeply.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a casual time of remembrance on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Armory Room at Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.

A memorial service celebrating Kent’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at USC’s Rutledge Chapel, 902 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Still Hopes Chaplain Discretionary Fund, for the benefit of the employees and caregivers. https://tinyurl.com/KentDeMars Or checks can be made out to “Chaplain’s Discretionary Fund” and mailed to PO Box 2959 West Columbia, SC 29179.

The family warmly invites you to share photographs and treasured memories by uploading them here: https://tinyurl.com/KentDeMarsPhotos

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.