Kent R. Williamson

Kent R. Williamson was born on January 23, 1933, the 11th of 13 children, and was known as one of the “four little boys." He spent his early life on the farm, waking up early to do chores with his siblings. He would eat dinner by grabbing what was left after his older siblings passed the food. One of the farmhands nicknamed him "Preacher," which suited him well. He said grace when everyone gathered at the farm, and led the family in prayer when needed.

Kent’s deep feelings for the farm were obvious during the holidays, special occasions, and family reunions. He loved coming there and spending time gathered around the table, swapping stories and reminiscing

Growing up, he teased his two younger brothers until they grew taller than he, played pranks on grandma and his sisters, and worked hard helping around the farm. After graduating from high school, he followed his older brothers and sisters to Bowling Green State University (BGSU). In his sophomore year, he was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Yokohama, Japan. He served from 1954 to 1956.

After the Army, he returned to BGSU and roomed at Aunt Florence's home on campus. He joined the ATO fraternity and didn't let his education interfere with his studies (as his brother Max would say). One day, traveling back to BG, he and his brother Walker were in a serious car accident, and he ended up in a torso body cast. Of course, that didn't stop him from dating; he still managed to drive and pick up his date.

During a summer break, he met his future wife, Barbara Baughman. Barbara's friend was asked to the church's ice cream social by his brother Bob. Barb did not want to stay home alone, so she asked Kent to go with her! The romance began, and they were married in 1958. They had 66 loving years together.

A year after their wedding, Debrorah Ann (Debbie), the first of 3 daughters, was born. Through her parents’ love, faith, and patience, she taught everyone she met all about unconditional love and the magic of M&M's-AKA Happy Pills! Jane Ellen was born three years later, and Amy Jo, five years after. Kent taught them about faith, how to be independent, and that you can fix anything with duct tape, staples, and super glue, especially when running late to church!

He was in the insurance field for his whole professional life. He began his career in Columbus at a large firm and then followed an opportunity in Los Angeles, California. It was their home for four years. They made friends, enjoyed being active in their church, and loved the weather, but not the earthquakes. Then it was time to return to their true home, Columbus, Ohio, and be closer to family and friends. There, he joined a smaller insurance agency, Town & Village Insurance Services.

He was an active member of the Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church for over 30 years, was Chairman of Trustees and the Church Council for several years. He was instrumental in leading the campaign to install the lovely stained-glass windows in the new sanctuary.

He joined a local Kiwanis group, and the Chamber of Commerce. While involved in Kiwanis, he was elected President of his club, and later was elected Treasurer of the Ohio District Kiwanis. He also held the office of President of the Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

He enjoyed playing golf, and on July 18, 2003, he got his only hole-in-one on hole 13 at the Gold Course at Locust Hill Golf Course!

As he was contemplating retirement within the past few years, he and two co-workers purchased Town & Village Insurance Services! He enthusiastically mentored his grandson, Taylor, who joined the company after graduating from college. Then last week, on his last day in the hospital, he said “he was hanging it up” and officially retired.

His daughters, Amy and Jane, blessed him with four grandsons: Josh, Taylor, Ethan, and Gunnar. He was finally not outnumbered by his girls-- he now had sons-in-law, Mark Schmidt and Jeff Brehmer, and grandsons! He enjoyed watching them excel in soccer, baseball, tennis, and wrestling. His two oldest grandsons received college scholarships in football. Each of the grandsons found their niche in high school, from sports, FFA, technical training, and one became an Eagle Scout; they each excelled scholastically as well!

When Amy married in 2019, Jeff brought three bonus-children to the family: Jacob, Megan, and Shelby. Kent became a grandfather again and established relationships with his wonderful bonus-grandchildren.

In 2022, Taylor added his beautiful wife, Madison, to the family. They presented Kent with his first great-grandchild, Blair, in September, 2024. Blair loved her great-grandpa, and she lit up his life.

He and Barb enjoyed traveling by car and boat to many destinations throughout the United States. His devotion to religion and church has not wavered, nor has his love for his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandsons, bonus-grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

Kent was a very special member of the large, extended Williamson family, and he will be profoundly missed by each of them.

Calling hours are Thursday, May 29th at Northwest Schoedinger (1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221) from 4-7 pm. The funeral is Friday, May 30th at 11 am at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church (4343 Dublin Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026.)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church, 4343 Dublin Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026 or online at: https://www.srumc.org/