Kent M. Dowden, age 68, of Mendon, Michigan, passed away on January 7, 2026, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born on December 26, 1957, in Kokomo, Indiana, and was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Jack and Ruth Dowden.

A proud 1976 graduate of Taylor High School in Kokomo, Kent went on to attend Indiana University and spent his life pursuing a wide range of interests. He was a true entrepreneur, owning several small businesses including FMS Services in Texas, Kent’s Country Restaurant in Mendon, Michigan, and an online store, Kokomokent’s. His career also spanned concrete work, car sales, and most recently, a role he deeply enjoyed in sales at Bontrager’s RV Surplus.

Kent’s passions were as varied as his ventures. He loved bowling, poker, and baseball, and was a dedicated coach for both men’s softball and his daughter Hannah’s softball team. But above all, fishing was his life. A respected tournament bass fisherman in the Michiana region, Kent often fished solo and consistently triumphed over multi-person teams. He earned numerous tournament victories and was frequently recognized for catching “Big Bass.”

Kent is survived by his daughter, Hannah Dowden; his brother, David (Lesa) Dowden; his stepdaughter, Tara (Michael) Topping; and grandchildren, Thomas and Sydney. He also leaves behind Shari White, mother of Hannah and Tara; several cherished nieces and nephews; and Paige Russell, a treasured bonus daughter.

Kent will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of competition, and the deep care he showed to those around him. His legacy lives on in the stories shared by family, the friendships he built, and the waters he knew so well.