Kent (Knuck) D. Eberhart, 67, passed away on Jan. 21, 2015, after a short illness.
He was born a natural athlete in Southfield, Michigan. He played hockey, ran track, and played baseball, basketball and football. His Mom remembers how he followed his high school friend, Ted Simmons’ professional baseball career, and the trip they made to Phoenix to watch Ted in Spring Training. Ken was a gifted athlete; as a highlight he once scored 4 touchdowns in a single game in high school. He went on to play as a tight end, #82, for Michigan State in 1967. During the 1968 season he was injured, and that injury ended his ball career.
The Air Force said he was too tall to be a fighter pilot, so he moved to Steamboat Springs to ski and work on the ski patrol. He moved to Denver and worked on many big construction projects. He was also riding and customizing Harleys. He moved to the Trinidad area in the early 70s and ran a construction company. He tried a little rodeo and was a great water skier. Kent then moved to Phoenix in the early 80s where he became a realtor selling undeveloped land and started building and racing a dragster. He worked for KAR products and got to travel with his company boss to many Pro-Am golf tournaments. He loved attending the big live rock concerts.
Kent always had a Harley and played a lot of golf on some of the most beautiful courses in the USA and Mexico, but he loved the local course after he retired. He was smart, organized, witty and generous in all ways. He wanted to make the day or hour enjoyable. It was important to him that people were happy.
Kent was preceded in death by his father Dale and his brother Kurt. Kent is survived by his wife Deborah Bernhardt, his mother Virginia Eberhart, daughter Chelsea Osterquist, stepdaughter Ginny Bayes, and stepson Wylie Bayes. His family and many friends will remember and miss him always.
Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Jujo’s Pub, 125 N. Chestnut, Thursday January 29th, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Arrangements under direction of Comi Funeral Home.
