Clarence Lloyd Kentner,91, of Rossville, went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2018. Lloyd died on the family farm east of Alvin, Illinois, where he was born on October 29, 1927, the son of Charlie Ambrose and Zora Ermina (Phipps) Kentner. Lloyd and Nola Wylder were married in the Rossville Methodist parsonage on December 18, 1947. Nola preceded Lloyd in death on August 6, 2009. Surviving are their children: Sue (Lonnie) Seymour, Rita Armbrust, Charlie (Shirley) Kentner, Debbie (Clif) Craig, and Dianna (Larry) Gernand. Lloyd is survived by eleven grandchildren: Michael Craig, Angie (Solomon) Chan, Becky (Shawn) Drennan, Andy (Emily) Gernand, Jackie (Doug) Malan, Patrick Seymour, Liz (Choulong) Traimany, Katie (Daniel) Bretscher, Ashley Gernand, David Armbrust, and Luke (Thea) Gernand, as well as twelve great-grandchildren: Morgan Drennan, Macey Gernand, Hunter Malan, Tristen Drennan, Evan Gernand, Zachary Craig, Drew Gernand, Lexie Malan, Ryan Traimany, Felicity Malan, Levi Traimany, and Noah Bretscher. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, Dennis Armbrust; two grandchildren, Emily Gernand and Jacob Kentner; and five sisters: Zeda Moore, Florence Johnson, Glenna Hughes, June Deck, and Frances Lanham.
Growing up, Lloyd lived on Sumner farm east of Alvin where his family moved in 1923. For grades first through eighth, he attended the neighborhood one-room Sumner School and then graduated from Alvin High School in 1945. After graduation, Lloyd partnered with his father in farming. In 1947, he married Nola, and they became the tenant farmers who lived on Sumner farm. At this time, Lloyd's parents moved to a farm south of Danville they had recently purchased. In 1992, Lloyd, Nola, Charlie, and Shirley bought Sumner farm. At the time of his death, Lloyd still resided on the family farm where he was born and lived for his entire life of 91 years.
Lloyd was a president of the Alvin School Board when his children were in attendance there. He was a member of the Alvin Methodist Church and later the Rossville United Methodist Church. With his son, Charlie, he was a regular participant in the Sunday morning men's breakfast and services at the church.
Throughout his life, Lloyd loved music. Self-taught, he played both guitar and mandolin. Often during the midday break after eating lunch, he would spend a few minutes playing music with a day worker, friend, or one of his children. He loved the chance to let the stress melt away as he engaged in this favorite pastime. When his fingers stiffened with age and he could no longer play himself, he still enjoyed listening to the music of others.
Lloyd's life was filled with the activities of a busy farmer. In the early years, he took on a variety of second jobs to provide for his growing family. He did custom spraying for others, and he sold both grain dryers and seed corn. He often helped his neighbors with their welding needs. Both he and Nola were quick to lend a helping hand when someone needed help. Over the years, they worked with their son Charlie to expand their farming operation. In 1978, Lloyd and Nola were pictured in a Monsanto advertisement which appeared in several farm magazines. Lloyd was very passionate about farming and the land; he was always eager to engage in "farm talk."
Visitation will be Sunday, November 18, from 2-5 pm at the Rossville United Methodist Church. The funeral will be Monday, November 19, at 10:30 am at the Rossville United Methodist Church, with one hour of visitation preceding the service. Burial will be in Gundy Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Rossville United Methodist Church in Lloyd’s name.
The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Mr. Kentner’s life. Memories or photos may be shared with his family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.
