Kent Arwood, 62 of Centerview, Missouri passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs.

Kent was born on March 14, 1960, in Centerview, Missouri to Russell and Jeanne Smith Arwood. He attended Centerview Elementary School, University High School, and graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1978. In high school, Arwood was a member of the Student Council, the Warrensburg Swing Choir, participated in drama tournaments and, was voted Wittiest Person Class of '78. During these early years, Kent built friendships that remained throughout his life.

Kent attended Central Missouri State University majoring in public relations and was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon (Sig Ep) Fraternity. Throughout college, he worked at KOKO Radio Station as an on-air personality. Thus began his career in the entertainment industry.

After college, Arwood moved to Los Angeles and worked for Roger Neal Entertainment. Roger had clients from many of the hit TV shows of the seventies. Kent worked with cast members from several shows including Little House on the Prairie, Eight is Enough, and Dallas. He told hilarious stories about representing Fantasy Island's infamous Harvey Villechaize

(Tattoo). Upon returning to KC he was hired by Gangwisch and Associates. They represented some of the most popular acts in country music. Kent was asked to move to Nashville to open a branch of their office where he worked with Hank Williams Jr., Don Williams, Wayne Newton, Marie Osmond, Ronnie Milsap, the Girls Next Door, comic Tim Wilson and many other popular acts of the nineties.

Of all of his career achievements, he was most proud of being hired as Vice President of Publicity at SeaWorld in Cleveland in the mid-nineties. He enjoyed not only the animals and excitement of working at the amusement park, but the people he met and worked with. He frequently hosted events with famed zookeeper Jack Hanna. He remained in the position until the park was sold in 2000. Following the park's closure, he returned to Missouri and began working for himself in several successful small business ventures.

While Kent worked with and grew close to world-renowned celebrities, they held second place to his family and deep relationships with his lifelong friends, work colleagues and fraternity brothers. He once wrote, "when you are REALLY lucky (as I consider myself to be), your friends become part of your family and vice versa." It wasn't about the amount of time spent, but the memories made together. He led with his heart, was fiercely loyal, kind, thoughtful, accepting and, indeed, stubborn. Before gatherings of friends, Kent would warn (in jest), "be there or be talked about." Kent (who was more often called Arwood) joined friends in the celebration of numerous weddings, political campaigns, concert performances, and multiple misguided capers. He was happy for the success of family and friends and supportive when their situations became tough. Once a friend of Kent — always a friend of Kent.

Arwood was unflappable and entered every room with an understated presence. But make no mistake, nothing got by Kent! He saw and remembered every single interaction and conversation - even those we hoped he would forget! He had a sarcastic, dry wit that camouflaged a deep-seated understanding of the good in everyone and everything. He could capture the essence of a moment in a few words whether it was good, bad, awkward, embarrassing, or profound. Close friends were often relieved when they were not on the receiving end of the awkward or embarrassing memories as he could easily recall moments that others would forget and could weave together a hilarious story like no other.

Kent leaves behind his beloved sister, Kari, and her family. In these past few years, little sister Kari became a hero to Kent with her resolute commitment to his health and well-being.

Observers would likely say she has always been his hero. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents.

Even now as family and friends share a common grief and celebrate his life, Kent would wonder what all of the fuss was about. He will live on in the numerous stories we tell and retell, in the songs we sing, the laughter we share, and especially in the loyal friendships we enjoy.

Well done good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 12th at the Cowboy Church, located at 124 NW 251 Rd., starting with lunch being served at noon.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net