On June 9, 2022 Kent Edmund Demke, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend returned to his Father in Heaven. Kent is survived by his beautiful wife of 58 years Claudia Joyce Cromar (Demke) as well as his four wonderful children, Giles Edmund Demke (Tammy Demke-spouse), Jack Kent Demke (Nicole Finamore- domestic partner), (LeeAnn Thornberry Demke-former spouse), Kristi Racquel Johnson (Travis Johnson-spouse), Tiffanie Noel McDevitt (Jason McDevitt-spouse). In addition, Kent and Claudia enjoy 12 grandchildren Randi Demke (spouse), Cortney Gartman (spouse), McKendrick Johnson, Mitchell Johnson, Mason Johnson, Cody Johnson, Kiara McDevitt, Austin McDevitt, Lucas McDevitt, Cheyanne Demke, Dawson Demke, and Kenzie Demke. Kent is also survived by his siblings Pat Jensen (sister), Don Demke (brother), and Jack Demke (brother). Our dear Kent will be reunited with his parents Edmund A Demke (father), Myrtle E McKnight (mother), Kathleen Searle (sister) and Ray Demke (brother and best friend).
Kent was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During his membership he earned his Eagle Scout, served a mission in West Berlin, served as a Scout Master, Sunday School President as well as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. Kent fulfilled all of his callings to the best of his ability and deeply enjoyed being able to spread the Gospel and serve.
A true “jack of all trades”. Kent had several jobs that he loved throughout his years. Some of those included Hi-Test Safety Shoes (salesman), and Owner of Absolute Security where he specialized in Private Investigating, Security and Bounty Hunting. He ushered for many of the University of Utah events including football, basketball and gymnastics for over 20 years. Out of all his many endeavors his favorite job and adventure was in his retirement years working for Uber and Lyft as a driver. He spent his days doing what he loved which was sharing stories and meeting new people and driving around in his custom silver truck, one of many things that Kent will always be remembered for.
Kent was a family man. Any time shared with his loved ones was time well spent. He loved camping, traveling, and helping others. He was always there to lend a helping hand no matter what the situation. His most favorite time spent was supporting all his grandchildren in all their endeavors including football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading and dance, he loved to cheer them on. Some would argue his favorite pastime was getting after the sports officials or as he called them “refs” for what he felt were bad calls. Whether the calls were right or wrong, if he felt they were bad you were going to hear about it. Kent’s grandchildren could always count on looking up and seeing his sweet face there supporting them.
Kent was a kind, generous, loving man and he will be missed immensely by so many. Every life that he touched will forever be changed because of his charitable heart. His spirit will live on through his family and dear friends. We all have been blessed to receive a new guardian angel and he will be walking by our sides helping to guide us through our lives. But for now, it is our time to say goodbye to him and the beautiful life he lived. Rest in Paradise our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. We love and miss you greatly until we meet again.
