David A Dent

David Allen Dent was born June 13, 1944, in Dewey, Texas, to Daniel Dent and Agathine
Williams. He was the sixth child of this union. Growing up in Beaumont, Texas, David attended
Price Elementary and John P. Odom before graduating Magna Cum Laude from Hebert High
School.
David’s lifelong passion for golf began as a young boy, earning money as a caddy at the Tyrrell
Park Golf Course. This early interest blossomed into a spot on his high school golf team and a
hobby he would cherish throughout his life.
He continued his education at Lamar University, where he majored in Chemistry with a minor in
Mathematics. David was a trailblazer, becoming the first African American Chemistry Lab
Assistant at the university. While at Lamar, he and ten other students chartered the university’s
first African American fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. A man of conviction, David participated in
several pivotal Civil Rights events, including sit-ins at the Pig Stand Restaurant and the Kress
Lunch Counter in downtown Beaumont.
David dedicated 30 years of his life to serving his country in the United States Navy. He served
with distinction aboard several carriers and squadrons at Miramar Air Station and Lemoore Air
Station. Because of his expertise, he was chosen by the Navy to serve as a government advisor
during the introduction of the F-18 fighter jet to the fleet.
On February 24, 1968, David married Diana Marie Harris. To this union were born two
daughters, Letitia J. Dent and Sedra L. Dent, and two sons, David A. Dent II and Samuel A.
Dent. On February 24, 2026, David and Diana celebrated 58 wonderful years of love and
companionship.
In his retirement, David remained an avid golfer, joining a group of fellow retired service
members to play courses across the coast and in Las Vegas. He also took great joy in his
interactions with the "Mills Boys," a social group of retirees who had served together at
Miramar.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Agathine Dent; his brothers, Almer,
Thelmer, and Elmer Dent; and his sister, Bobbie Jean Mayes, grandson Sedric Alexander Turner.
His legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Diana Dent; his siblings, Daniel Ethel Coward of
Houston, TX, and Blondie Ray Dent (Glenda) of Beaumont, TX; and his sisters-in-law,
Geraldine Dent, Beverly Ford, Ida Scott (James), Elouise Reed, and Jennifer Wilson. He is also
survived by his brother-in-law, Larry M. Rocio (Kathy); his "nephew-son," Adam Coward; son-
in-law James Turner, his children, Letitia J. Dent, Sedra L. Dent, David A. Dent II, and Samuel
A. Dent; his grandson, Alexander Turner; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and
dear friends.
"From the caddy paths of Tyrrell Park to the flight decks of the U.S. Navy, David Allen
Dent lived a life of purpose, precision, and profound love."

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