William Kent Marsden

1924 ~ 2020

Obituary Photo for William Kent Marsden < >

Viewing:

Dec. 3, 2020
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
1889 S. 1700 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    Dec. 4, 2020
    6:00 AM
    Parowan Cemetery
  • Directions to Service
  • William Kent Marsden died peacefully in his home on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2020, of complications related to a stroke. As he was a man of immense gratitude, it is appropriate that he passed away on a day set aside to express our thanks.

    William Kent was born Sept. 14, 1924, in Parowan, Utah, to William Marsden and Della Jane Davenport. He grew up in a large, loving, and musical family of two brothers and four sisters. William Kent joined the Navy where he served his country proudly in World War II until his honorable discharge. He also served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission.

    After his mission, William Kent married Jennis Weeks and had one daughter, Janet. They later divorced. He subsequently met the love of his life, Martha Dianne Brown. They were married on June 20, 1963 in the Salt Lake Temple. William Kent adopted Martha’s five children. He loved and raised them as his own.

    William Kent had an unmatched work ethic and a love for farming. He also worked in road construction for the state of Arizona. He had a deep love for the scriptures and a passion for missionary work. He was very witty and full of fun stories and always had everyone laughing. He was blessed with an amazing tenor voice. He shared his testimony through music as much as through his words and conduct.

    William Kent is survived by his wife, Martha, and nine children: Janet (Ron) Gress, Ronald (Marissa) Marsden, Steven (Maria) Marsden, Cheryll Marsden, Lonnie (Jeff) Woods, DeAnna (Agbor) Agbor, David (Janice) Marsden, Jared Marsden, and Aaron (Rachelle) Marsden. He is also survived by a son-in-law, Mark Ramos, and daughter-in-law, Angie Marsden Springer, by sister Mary Jane Stewart, by 30 grandchildren, and by 31 great-grandchildren.

    He was preceded in death by a daughter Linda Jean Ramos, a son William James Marsden, his two brothers, and his three sisters.
    He was a loving father, devoted husband, and a cherished friend to many.

    A public viewing will be held ‪Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.‬ at the Mountainview 3rd Ward building, ‪1889 S. 1700 East, Salt Lake City‬. Private family services will be held at the Parowan City Cemetery in Parowan, UT on Friday, December 4th at 1 p.m. The family will be streaming the services via Zoom. Please contact them for the link and passcode. Masks and social distancing will be required.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Hi,
    I'm so sorry for your loss. Uncle Kent always had a smile on his face. I love the photo's you've included with the beautiful obituary. What a beautiful family Uncle Kent has raised with his beautiful wife. I love that he's being buried in Parowan. I'm sure my mom, Louise Bluhm has helped set up a big reunion in heaven.
    --Beverly Hansen


    - Beverly Hansen

    My sincere condolences with the passing of Kent. I know he is loved and will be missed. I send my love to you and all the family.


    - Trudy Roylance

    Janet, Diane, Deanna, and all the rest,
    I know this was not unexpected, but that doesn't make it any less painful!! We are sending a donation for the headstone. We are currently living with one of our sons, while we build our house, so we won't be able to come down for the viewing or the graveside, and I will miss seeing you and expressing our love to all of you. (Marianne gave me Deanna's address, so I will send a check off tomorrow.) I am so sorry for your loss!

    With love to all the Marsden clan
    Marilyn


    - Marilyn M Sears

    We loved Kent in the MV3 ward. Loved hearing his beautiful tenor voice in the ward choir. Bill was honored to sing with him in the tenor section, and we had many laughs about the new music we learned over the years. His faith and testimony were unshakable, and he gave his light to all who knew him, he was always a joy to be around. We will miss him.


    - Bill and Nancy Holt

    We express our sympathy for the loss of your beloved father, friend and husband. I wish we could have known him. We are also grateful for his service to our country during WWII. David, you are blessed to have had such devoted and loving parents. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.


    - Fred and Janis Ratliff