Donald Ray “Butch” Brent, age 75, of Stronghurst, IL, passed away peacefully with his family on Sunday, August 18th, 2019. He was born in Burlington, IA, at the Burlington Hospital on January 4th, 1944. Don was the son of Forrest Donald Brent and Anna Mary Louise Bielser. He married Beverly JoAnne Morris on July 11th, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Stronghurst, IL.
Don graduated from Union High School in 1962. He worked on the Brent family farm and at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for four years. Don and Beverly enrolled at the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, in 1966 and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration in 1977 from Western Illinois University. Don immensely enjoyed a 28-year career in education at Dallas City High School where he served as a physical education and driver’s education teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal.
Don was an avid outdoorsman, fishing enthusiast, and waterfowl hunter who loved spending time with friends and family in Mother Nature. He also had a passion for athletics and thoroughly enjoyed the friendships made during his competitive high school, college, and slow pitch softball days. When he wasn’t enjoying the great outdoors, Don loved to play cards with his family and friends. Don’s greatest joys were his children and grandchildren who he dedicated his life to ensuring their well-being in all areas of life.
Survivors include his twin sons, Lonnie (Brenda) Brent of Kirkwood, IL, Rodney (Amanda) Brent of Gladstone, IL, one daughter Natalie (Tyler) Blindt of Gladstone, IL; 14 grandchildren – Brandon, Madeline, Mitchell, Jackson, Spencer, Grace, Preston, Logan, Emily, Matthew, Molly, Lucas, Lilly, Sophia; one sister, Donna Olson of Oquawka, IL; and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverly, grandson, Landon Michael Brent, and a brother-in- law, Nile Olson.
The funeral service for Mr. Brent will be at 2 PM on Sunday, August 25th, at the Stronghurst Christian Church with Rev. Steve Minkler officiating. The family will meet with friends from 4 PM-7 PM on Saturday, August 24th, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, IL. Burial will be at the Biggsville Cemetery followed by a meal at the Stronghurst Christian Church.
Memorial donations have been established for Friends of Henderson County Wildlife. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
