Roy Monroe Dent, of Gary, Texas passed away at the age of 85 on Friday January 30, 2015 after a long illness.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Joaquin with Bro. Randy Smith and Bro. Robert Ortego officiating. Burial will follow at New Prospect Cemetery in Timpson. Visitation will be Wednesday February 4, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

Roy was born in Tenaha to Roy B and Odell Johnson Dent and lived in the Timpson/Tenaha area until he attended college. As a boy growing up in the depression era he worked typical jobs of a young man of the era including the dreaded paper route with a biting dog. While in high school he continued with scouting activities and became an Eagle Scout. He also worked at a tomato sorting establishment and invented an automatic sorter. The owner of the company was kind enough to offer him a patent on it however it was decided that it belonged to the owner since he was "on the clock" when he invented it. Roy attended Southwestern University becoming a member of the Glee Club and sang alto in a Quartet that traveled locally and produced several recordings. Roy recently received digital copies of the records produced while he was in the group and was moved by the memories. While attending SWU he met Maxine Hassell whom he married on January 29, 1950 and together they raised five children. Roy's career with the telephone company began at the age of 18 as a lineman and continued until his retirement as an account manager at the age of 57. Roy was always active in aid to the community most notable of which was the Sertoma Club providing aid to local families. Although most of his professional carrier was spent in Wichita Kansas, he never lost his affection for his childhood home in East Texas. As an avid fisherman he looked forward to his retirement and did so at the age of 57 when he retired and moved to a home on Lake Murvaul. Roy loved to play penny ante poker and would quite proudly announce when he won 43 cents. His answering the phone with "Casey's Pool Hall" or "Murphy's Mule Barn, head jackass speaking" will certainly be missed. He was a good man and a great father and will be missed by his family and those who knew him well. Roy was a man of faith and provided support for his church, First United Methodist Church of Joaquin, one of which his family has attended for generations. He always helped with Christian services donating, delivering and packing boxes for those in need. He was a lay leader and helped at the church as much as his health allowed.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife of almost 61 years Maxine Dent, Parents, Roy B and Odell Dent and his siblings Ouida Mae Whiteside, Troy J Dent, Rodell Spencer, and Jack Dent & Aunt, Grace Crawford/Childs.

He is survived by:
His brother: Ted Lee Dent & wife, Pat of Nacogdoches

Children:
Roy M Dent, & wife, Hazlina of Malaysia
DeAnn Clark, & husband, Mike of the Atlantic
Tom A Dent, & wife, Dee of Clearwater, Kansas
Joe Dent & Deb of Gary
Kenny Dent, & wife, Teresa of Gary

Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

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