Kent Summerford

Harry Kent Summerford, Kent to those who knew him, was born March 1, 1949 in El Paso, Texas, to parents Henry Clay Summerford and Helen Summerford. He lived, studied and worked in El Paso his entire life, graduating from Burges High School in1967 and then obtaining his marketing degree from UTEP just a few years later. He was an entrepreneur and was successful in business, including ventures in restaurants, oil and gasoline, and residential and commercial real estate. Going back generations, the Summerford family business, Savage Oil Company, was carried on because of Kent Summerford’s unending work ethic and is still a thriving business today. He married Martha Summerford in 1977 and they built their dream home together, where he was able to live out most of his days. Kent had a heart for animals and served on the board for the Humane Society of El Paso for many years.He enjoyed fishing, golf, reading, and spending time with family, good friends and neighbors, and listening to Willie Nelson with a good whiskey. Kent valued education, always reminding us that no one can ever take away what you know.

Kent Summerford lived life on his own terms to the very end. He is survived by his wife, Martha Summerford and his two daughters, Megan Campuzano of Austin and Shannon Magri of Lubbock, along with their husbands, David Campuzano and Victor Magri, Kent’s siblings and their husbands; Linda and Kerry Walsh of Pearland, Carol and Robert Humphrey of Plano, and Jim Andress of Georgia, along with many nieces and nephews. He is celebrated by his grandchildren; Jack and Emma Magri, bonus grandchild, Ezekiel Magri, and granddogs, Tilly, Bacon and Snoopy, and a cat named Sam. He is preceded in death by both his mother and father, his step-mother, Lucille Summerford, his two brothers Richard and Robert Summerford, their wives Merry Anne and Margaret and his beloved son, Jordan Clay. Kent is remembered for his quiet integrity, his intellect, his storytelling, his unending support and love for family and friends, and his quick wit and sense of humor.Many of you who know him understand it when we say we will always remember his “Kentisms”; funny and clever things only he would say!

Kent passed peacefully on the morning of March 16, 2024 in the loving care of his wife, Martha, along with the amazing people of Mariah Oaks Foster Home and Hospice of El Paso. We are forever grateful to the wonderful assistance they brought the entire family, along with all of his home care and health care workers who helped him stay with us a little longer. He would want each of you to know that you are a worthwhile person and that you have great value.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, April 26th at Martin Funeral Home East on George Dieter. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation in Kent’s memory to the Humane Society of El Paso.