George Gordon Kent, 84, of Champaign died Friday May 25, 2001 at Meadowbrook Health Center in Urbana.  Private graveside services at East Lawn Cemetery in Urbana with Reverend Bradley Schumaker officiating.

Mr. Kent was born on May 8, 1917 in Olney, the son of Clifford and Janet (Jones) Kent. He married Verna Pearl Hale on June 21, 1939. She preceded him in death on July 7, 1990.

He was an electrician with Illinois Central Railroad for 38 years before retiring in 1977. He also worked part-time for Champaign County as a deputy sheriff and bailiff. He attended University of Illinois. Mr. Kent was a member of Methodist Church in Olney. He was a drummer and a 65-year member of the Champaign Federation of Musicians; was a member of Champaign Elks Band for more than 50 years; played in the Cummins Band; and the Marching Illini.

Mr. Kent is survived by two sons, Ronald Kent of Newport Beach, Calif. and Bradley Kent of Champaign; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.