J. Kent Marlor

Joseph Kent Marlor passed away in the early morning hours of December 15, 2023, at the age of 87, due to incidents of age. Kent was born on September 16, 1936, in Murray, Utah, to Robert and Fern Jacobsen Marlor. He was the oldest of four children and lived in Midvale, Utah until he left home after graduation from high school to attend BYU in Provo, Utah. It was at BYU that he met his eternal companion, Sharon Stevens, from Holden, Utah. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple and celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this last February. 

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved his time serving at the front desk in the Rexburg Temple. He served in many church positions, as Executive Secretary in a campus stake and on the High Council of Rexburg Stake, but most diligently and longer in many positions within the scouting program, serving primarily as Scoutmaster and Varsity Scout leader of young men for over 55 years. He earned his Silver Beaver Award and was vice president of strategic planning in the local scouting council.

Kent loved his family dearly, his posterity of children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He teased and entertained them with his vocabulary of made-up words and was their “fun grandpa!” He was skilled at the piano, playing with a dance band during college days and accompanying his roommate, Jim Pike, as Jim sang at college dances, before Jim’s fame as a member of The Lettermen.

Kent grew up interested in debate, journalism, and politics, winning state awards as a member of the debate team and wrote for the high school newspaper. At Brigham Young University he wrote for BYU Daily Universe and frequently submitted articles to the local Provo newspaper.

He spent four years in the United States Navy. When he finished his basic training, he had the opportunity to join Naval Communications Intelligence by adding an additional two years of time, which he did. He continued his naval service at the San Diego Naval Base, Cubi Point Naval Station in the Philippine Islands and the National Security Agency in Baltimore, Maryland.

Following his military service, Kent returned to BYU, changed his major from journalism to political science, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration at BYU. In 1963, Kent turned down a doctoral fellowship program at the University of Pennsylvania, as he had recently accepted a position at Ricks College to teach political science.

After one year at Ricks College, he was again offered the fellowship from the University of Pennsylvania.  Kent sought counsel from President John L. Clarke, who encouraged him to accept the fellowship; Kent was given a leave of absence to further his education, earning an additional master’s degree and subsequent PhD.  He then turned down the offered opportunity to teach at the University of Pennsylvania, opting instead to return to Ricks College, loving the close affiliation with family, church, and students in Rexburg, the out-of-door wonders of Idaho didn’t hurt.

Kent taught at Ricks College, now BYU-Idaho, for 43 years.  He loved and mentored thousands of students and cherished his relationship with members of the faculty, serving as chairman of the forum committee for 20 years.  At his retirement in 2006, he was the longest tenured professor in the history of the university.  His retirement was read into the U.S. Congressional Record by Senator Mike Crapo as “A Dedicated and Passionate Idaho Educator,” who wrote that “Over the years, at least 10 of my Senate interns have been his students as well as several current and former members of my staff.”

As an educator, Kent took every opportunity to travel for additional teaching development to benefit his students, traveling to Russia in 1990 with his wife, Sharon, and Dr. Robert Inama, his associate in the Political Science Department.  In 1999, as one of faculty leadership, traveled with students throughout many countries in Europe.

After retirement, he continued serving as a member of the Professional Conduct Board, Idaho State Bar Association and was presented the Liberty Bell Award for service to the legal community of Idaho Falls 7th Judicial District Bar Association.

An avid fisherman and outdoors man, he spent many hours fishing and hunting, enjoying the beauties of Idaho.  He received awards for contributions to wildlife, as a founding member of the Idaho Fish and Game Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Region 6 Wildlife Federation.

He was instrumental at the time of the Teton Dam Disaster in 1976, serving as Operations Director of Civil Defense, and earning from Governor Cecil D. Andrus and the State of Idaho a “Certificate of Recognition for Distinguished Service (Teton Flood Disaster).”  He continued that service of flood cleanup, helping to build or rebuild Madison County parks destroyed by the flood for several years following.

Kent lived in Rexburg for over 60 years, with time away only for education and service to his church with his wife in the Rome Italy Mission for 18 months, among the wonderful Italian people they grew to love.  He and his wife continued to travel after retirement, visiting all seven continents and going on multiple cruises with family and friends.   

Kent and Sharon were blessed with six children, four boys and two girls, 19 grandchildren, and 49 great-grandchildren, with another great-granddaughter expected in February.  They also had the privilege of raising a beloved grandson Tyson (Lindsey); and a Native American foster son, Michael Two Bulls who is deceased.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, who he loved dearly, and five children: Landon (Peggy) of  Jerome, Idaho, Brad (Marianne) of South Jordan, Utah, Greg of Boise, Idaho, Marshall (Jamie) of Rexburg, Idaho, and Nan (Jason) Wright, of Rexburg, Idaho. He is also survived by his brother, Lynn (Pat) of Draper, Utah and his sister, Rosemary (John) of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janet (Ron) of Sandy, Utah; a beloved daughter, Deon (Troy) of Roosevelt, Utah; as well as two great-granddaughters, Odette and Abigail, who died at birth.

On behalf of the Marlor family, we express love and appreciation to the Homestead Assisted Living staff and the many care givers who Kent loved as his extended family.  Also, the assistance of the Rexburg Home Health and Hospice for their tender care these past months.

Funeral services will held 12:00 noon, Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Summerfield 3rd Ward Chapel, (Rexburg West Stake Center), 210 S. 12th W., Rexburg, Idaho.  The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and again from Thursday from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.  The interment will be in the Sutton Cemetery.