DeVere Phillips and Carol Kent

A stalwart and kind man, DeVere Phillips Kent passed away on May 21st, 2023. His sweetheart and lifelong companion, Carol Hone Kent passed away 4 days later, carrying a song in her heart, on May 25th, 2023. 

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Born in Acequia, Idaho, DeVere arrived on March 29th, 1935, special delivery to George Arlo and May Phillips Kent.  The second of four siblings, dad grew up in this rural community earning money for school clothes by working for his uncles, hauling hay and harvesting potatoes.   

During his high school years, DeVere excelled in sports, playing football, basketball, baseball, and track.  Dad was also elected Rupert High School, Junior Class President.  Dad attended Boise Junior College, with the hopes of transferring to the University of Idaho on a sports scholarship; however, a knee injury dashed those dreams, and soon after he was drafted into the United States Army.  DeVere served in Korea and was honorably discharged after 18 months.  Returning back to the States, he found a home in Denver, Colorado.  

On January 27th, 1936, Lewis Hone, and Sarah Jane Webb Hone were granted their wish when Carol, their only daughter was born.  She often talked about growing up in Park City.  One of her fondest memories was helping her older brother, Glade, deliver newspapers.   

Carol was an amazing woman and accomplished many things during her life. The talent she prized most was singing. Mom began her singing career at an early age in Park City, Utah. She found herself as a young girl singing in front of church congregations. As her talent and popularity grew, she also began singing in school, and in community events.  Mom expanded her singing career in high school as lead vocalist in school musicals and playing drums in the band.  Music and singing weren’t her only talents, she also played basketball for the Park City high school team.  Carol graduated Park city high school in 1954 and began the next phase of her life. 

Mom auditioned for and was invited to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  She continued singing, for 23 years, retiring in 2005.  During her tenure, she sang before presidents, kings, queens, princes, and princesses, nobles, ambassador’s, heads of state, and dignitaries worldwide. She had the enviable opportunity of traveling the world, visiting exotic places most people only dream about, acting as a dignitary for the church, and the United States.  

While living in Denver, dad met and fell in love with mom. They were married and sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple, and began a new life together.  During his life, dad was a devout member of the LDS church, faithfully fulfilling all positions he was called to serve.  Professionally, DeVere provided a comfortable living for his family as an independent Real Estate Appraiser.   

Devere and Carol spent nearly 70 years together.  During those years, they traveled the world and shared many memories of the places they visited.  Together, they raised six children: Eddie (Pam Hendrickson), Melonie (University of Utah All American), Kristy Thruston, Adam Kent (Kristi), Michelle Rasmussen (Matthew), and Kimberly Montgomery (John).  Mom and dad are survived by their six children.  Their legacy continues with their grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Devere is survived by his older brother, RuDean Kent, and younger brother Arvon Kent.  He is preceded in death by his parents, younger sister Myrna Gillan , and his son-in-law Kelly Thurston. 

Carol is survived by her six children. She is preceded in death by her husband DeVere, her parents, Sarah and Lewis Hone, her brothers Dean Hone, Lewis Hone Jr., Glade Hone, and son-in-law Kelly Thurston.      

Services will be held at Memorial Estates, Redwood Cemetery (6500 South, Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah), on June 02, 2023. The viewing will begin at 12:00 pm, funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm and the graveside dedication and service will be held at 3:00 pm. 

A special thanks to Harmony Hospice for the professional and tender care they provided to our parents.  In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Utah Sports or Education scholarship programs.