Gene E. Kent, 87, of Clearwater, Florida, formerly of Brevort Lake, died Thursday, April 1, 2010, at his home.

He was born October 22, 1922, in Toledo, Ohio.

Mr. Kent had moved to Brevort Lake 50 years ago, and had lived there for more than 40 years.

He was married to Elsie Elizabeth Kent, and she died in 1988.

Mr. Kent owned a hotel and resort in St. Ignace at one time. He also served as the Brevort Township supervisor.

He earned a law degree and worked in tax preparation.

Mr. Kent was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. He also was a master pilot with the Merchant Marines.

He loved visiting with all his neighbors at the Kalmia building, where he lived.

He is survived by a daughter and her family, Barbara and William Martin of Bloomfield Hills, and a granddaughter, Kelsey Elizabeth Martin.

Graveside services will be Saturday, July 31, at 1 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Moran with Deacon Tom McClelland officiating.

Dodson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.