It is with deep sorrow and fondest memories that we celebrate the life of William ‘Bill’ Kent, who passed on October 31, 2025 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born February 3, 1933 to Ronald and Louise Kent, Bill grew up on his parent’s dairy farm outside Franklinville in the Ischua Valley. 

Bill married the love of his life, Jean Cross, in 1952, and they started a small farm milking 20 cows in Franklinville. He truly remained a farmer the rest of his life. During this time, their 3 children were born, and Bill attended auctioneer school in Decatur, Indiana. They moved to Bergen, NY in 1964 to join a local auction firm, then he and Jean started their own auction and real estate business, William Kent Inc., in 1970. They specialized in large farm machinery, cattle, real estate and antique auctions. The business continues to this day, and Bill remained involved until his death.

Because of Bill’s knowledge of dairy cattle, he was well-respected within the Holstein industry. Due to this he and Jean traveled extensively both domestically and internationally to sell Holstein cattle at auction, setting world records for many of the cattle sold. Having been active in the Cattaraugus County 4-H horse programs, they started the first local 4-H horse club in Genesee County, and he recently celebrated 55 years of selling the Genesee County 4-H meat sale. William Kent Inc. was awarded Geneseean of the Year, and Bill was awarded the Auctioneer of the Year and the Hall of Fame Award by the NYS Auctioneers Association. 

Bill grew up always having horses, and he developed into a great horseman. Bill and Jean’s favorite pastime was trail riding, especially overnight trips, including camping back in the hills of Franklinville where they grew up. They especially enjoyed attending every event their grandchildren were involved in. 

Bill is predeceased by his wife Jean, sister Jean Jackson, son-in-law Kevin Carhart, and great granddaughter Caroline Welch. He is survived by his brother Paul (Dawn) Kent, children David (Patty) Kent, Debra (Kyle) Welch, and Connie Carhart. Grandchildren Josh (Heather) Kent, Amber (Jason) Tomlin, Seth (Lauren) Kent, Katie (Tanner) West, Tim (Erica) Welch, Riley (Karen) Carhart, Ciera (Bill) Trojanowski, Sutton (Katie) Carhart, Danielle (Brock) Cummins, and Maegan Dills, great grandchildren Landon, Ainsley, Payton, Maddox, June, Everly, Chelsea, Curtis, Wyatt, Carter, Charlotte and Elsie, as well as several nieces and nephews.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2Timothy4.7

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Memorials may be made to the Morganville United Church, Home Care and Hospice of WNY, or the Stafford Volunteer Fire Dept.