Allen Kent Wingfield

Allen Kent Wingfield was born June 2, 1946, at the Wray Community Hospital, son of Robert
E. and Dorothy (Thomas) Wingfield. He died peacefully on August 4, 2015, at his home in Las Vegas, NV.

Kent, the second of five children, grew up on the family farm southwest of Vernon, CO. He attended Vernon and Wray schools, graduating from Wray High School in 1964. Too short and small to excel in basketball or football, Kent found his high school sports niche on the wrestling squad. His senior year he placed third in state, was chosen as Honorary Captain of the wrestling team, elected president of the letterman’s “W” Club, and president of his senior class. High school wrestling, especially Wray wrestling, was one of many interests Kent maintained throughout his life.

Following high school, Kent attended Colorado State University for one year, then Northeastern Junior College where he received an Associate’s Degree in liberal arts. After a two year stint in the U.S. Army served mainly in Korea, Kent returned to Colorado where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Colorado while continuing with the U.S. Army Reserves.

In 1974 Kent reenlisted to make the Army his career. He served his country honorably for over 26 years, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer 3, the second highest rank obtainable by a noncommissioned officer.

Over the course of his career, Kent served in many locations including two posts in West Germany and the Presidio in San Francisco. Kent also served four years in the office of Chief of Staff of the Army at the Pentagon where his top secret security clearance allowed him to act as a liaison with Henry Kissinger’s Office of the Secretary of State during the Nixon Administration. The whirlwind of political activity in Washington, D.C. fed his lifelong interest in current and historical events.

Throughout his military career, Kent received numerous commendations for his performance of duties, distinguished by exceptional leadership, dedication, technical and professional competence, and managerial expertise. In one commendation, the Commanding Officer of the Army base in Frankfurt, West Germany called Kent “the quiet, efficient one”.

In June 1984, Kent married Marilou Tolley and became stepfather to her young children, Janel and Jesse DeGuzman. Kent and Marilou divorced in 1990. After retiring from the military in 1995, Kent resided in Las Vegas, NV until the time of his death. Visits to Las Vegas by family and friends were never complete without tour direction from Kent based on his research of the city and its politics.

Retirement allowed Kent to indulge his diverse interests in sports and military, medieval, and world history as indicated by his extensive library of books and movies and the handwritten notes he attached to them all.

Kent was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Luana Faye Bott of Florida. He is survived by a sister, Judy and her husband Bob Bragg of Maine, brothers Dean and his wife Pam of

Vernon, and Tom and his wife Sally of Golden, CO. Kent is also survived by his former wife, Marilou and stepchildren, Janel and Jesse and their families, eight nieces and nephews and their families, numerous cousins, and one aunt, Shirley Witte of Yuma, CO.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, CO. Any memorials may be made to the Vernon Community Center, PO Box 74, Vernon, CO 80755. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.