Merlin Kent Jones (Kent)
February 23, 1965 –
April 7, 2021
Merlin Kent Jones, Jr., 56, Joplin, formerly of McComb, Mississippi, died on Wednesday April 7, 2021 at his home from a sudden illness.
Kent was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on February 23, 1965, to Merlin Kent Jones and Bettie Hutson Jones. He was the first of three children. Kent attended Parklane Academy in McComb, where he was a competitive swimmer and lifeguard with his brother, Tim. He spent much of his younger years letting off steam in the wooded and swampy areas around his family’s property. He graduated in 1983 and pursued a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1987 and becoming a chartered accountant in 1988.
Kent then embarked on a successful career in financial services, working as an auditor at various accounting firms, including Arthur Andersen. Most recently, he served as CFO at Downstream Casino and Resort in Quapaw, Oklahoma. He was proud of his successful career and believed that building a strong team was the essence of leadership.
Kent was a thrill seeker and enjoyed riding motorcycles, skydiving and parasailing. In his adult life he became a pilot and flew small airplanes. His rebellious attitude was contagious to those around him and it was often the life of the party. Kent loved taking his youngest daughter to concerts and shows, including a recent departure to attend Elton John’s last world tour. He enjoyed his frequent business trips to New York City, where he was able to spend time with his eldest daughter. His favorite bar in New York City was a small dive bar called Whiskey Rebel, a nickname he jokingly adopted for himself.
He was a lover of days spent at the beach, where he devoured raw oysters and loved to let go of the cares of the world to embrace the sun and the sea and sing along with Jimmy Buffett. Kent made frequent trips to the beaches of coastal Florida and Alabama with his family, cultivating great reunions and annual vacations. His generosity to his family and those in need was unprecedented. He enjoyed the company of his pets at home, was a member of Joplin Elks Lodge, and was a proud fan of Ole Miss.
Kent is predeceased by his father, Merlin Kent Jones of McComb. He is survived by two daughters, Hilary Katherine Jones of New York and Olivia Jones of Parker, Colorado. He is also survived by his mother, Bettie Jane Hutson of Madison, Mississippi, his brother, Timothy Jones of Greenwood, Mississippi, and his sister, Jennifer Jones Pate (David G. Pate) of Birmingham, Alabama.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Hartman-Jones Funeral Home, McComb, Mississippi, under the direction of Dr. David Millican. The return of his ashes will follow at Hollywood Cemetery, McComb, Mississippi.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary of Joplin. His service arrangements are in the custody of Hartman-Jones Funeral Home, 1801 Delaware Ave., McComb, MS 39648. (601) 684-3811.
Published on April 10, 2021
