Kent R. Jacobs

Kent R. Jacobs, 94, was born on November 11, 1931 in Sterling, Illinois, to Frank and Olive Jacobs, and passed away on December 5, 2025 after a brief illness. Kent was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Jacobs; daughter, Kathy; brother, Robert; nephew, Barry Jacobs; and former son-in-law, Pat O'Brien. Survivors include his daughter, Debbie O'Brien; granddaughters, Mary Kate O'Brien and Jennifer Rollins; and one great-grandchild, Isabella Elliott. Visitation with family present will be held from 5-7 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Broadway Mortuary, 1147 S. Broadway. Celebration of Life Service, 2 pm, Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Rd. 

Kent and Betty came to Wichita on their Honeymoon, September 2, 1951, and stayed at the Allis Hotel. Kent was offered a job by Boeing right after earning his degree in Electrical Engineering, but he would be lured by the excitement of a new industry of computers, and retired from IBM after 30 years of service. Mom and Dad decided to travel and bought their first of many motor homes, each one getting bigger and fancier. When they finally landed back in Wichita, Kent went to work as a Dillons greeter because he was bored. After Betty passed in 2018, Kent moved to the Highland House. He remained active as an usher at Eastminster Presbyterian and loved all his "besties" he met through coffee groups and IBM retirees. At 94, he still drove everywhere and lived by himself. He maintained a sharp mind and remained an extremely kind and generous soul, even when it put him at risk. 

A memorial has been established with the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). give.msoe.edu. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.