Memorial service for Kent Coleman age 58 of Valentine will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 2:00 pm at the Methodist Church in Valentine. Mr. Coleman passed away on Dec. 11 in Kearney, NE.

Kent Kevin Coleman was born on July 3, 1956 along with twin sister Kim, at The Sandhills General Hospital in Valentine, Nebraska to Harold and Alta Jean (Nissen) Coleman. He lived in Valentine from age 5 until his passing on December 11, 2014 in Kearney, Nebraska as the result of a brain aneurysm. Kent was baptized on May 17, 1959 at the Methodist Church in Cody, Nebraska and became a member of The United Methodist Church in Valentine on May 10, 1970.

When Kent was 11 years old he worked at The Frosty Freeze for Sid Abraham when it was very new, that Fall Sid had him take care of his guns and other personal belongings that he didn't feel comfortable taking to Las Vegas, this is an example of the responsible person Kent was from an early age.

Following graduation from Valentine High School in May of 1975, Kent worked for The Locker Plant and was meat manager at The Corner Market in Valentine for over 30 years, after it closed, he again worked at The Locker Plant until the time of his death.

On October 17, 1990, Kent was united in marriage to Beri Bryant in Valentine, Nebraska where they made their home through the years. Kent will be greatly missed by his wife Beri, sons Dustin Grieser, Matthew Benzing, Jordan Coleman, and Patrick Coleman. Mother Jean Coleman Hoxeng, twin sister Kim Coleman Paxton, brother Lonnie Coleman, grandchildren Maxwell and Zachary Grieser and Haile Benzing, and step father Ken Hoxeng. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends and former classmates.

Kent lost his father in a work related accident when he was still in high school, from his father he learned the joys of hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and floating down The Niobrara River. These joys he lovingly passed on to his sons. There was never a better day than when he could go out and spend the entire day ice fishing with his family and friends. Kent was also a big sports fan and enjoyed watching baseball and especially the Nebraska Cornhusker football games on tv. Kent was also preceded in death by his son Michael Benzing Jr.

A memorial service commemorating his life of selflessness, humanity, and compassion for others was held at the United Methodist Church in Valentine on December 18, 2014 at 2 pm. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with arrangements.