Charles Hanby

In Loving Memory of

Charles Kent Hanby 

November 22, 1941 – September 13, 2025

Charles Kent Hanby, known to most simply as Kent, was born on November 22, 1941, in Harper, Kansas. He was the son of Orsini Lester Hanby and May Tolle Hanby.

From an early age, Kent drew strength and unwavering support from his mother, who was his rock throughout life. From his father, he learned the value of hard work and integrity, principles that guided him through every chapter of his life.

Kent had a strong sense of religious duty and reverence. His faith in God was the foundation of his life which was quiet but unwavering. He drew strength from the teachings of Jesus Christ and turned to Scripture as a source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance. It was this faith that shaped his values, informed his decisions, and gave him peace through life’s joys and trials. Whether in moments of quiet reflection or through steadfast prayer, Kent’s relationship with God was deeply personal and enduring.

Kent earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. He went on to receive a master’s degree in chemistry and mathematics from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.

His professional career began at Conoco Oil in Ponca City, where he worked as a chemist. Over the next 28 years, Kent held one other role within the company, transitioning into marketing. He retired from Conoco in 1998 and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Not ready to fully slow down, he worked a few more years at Facet, International before officially retiring.

From childhood into his adult years, Kent never abandoned his adolescence. He showed this through his unwavering passion for Lionel model trains. His love for model railroading began when he received his first train set from his parents as a young boy, a gift that sparked a lifelong hobby and a vast collection.

As Kent pursued his higher education, he developed a fondness for spy fiction, especially the iconic James Bond series. In the mid 1960’s, he was captivated by the character’s confident masculinity and high-stakes adventures, which offered a glamorous escape to far-off places Kent admired and knew he would never be able to see. He especially loved the novels by Ian Fleming, and Goldfinger remained his favorite Bond film, with Sean Connery standing as his definitive 007.

Another passion and happy place for Kent was the shooting range. He pursued his love of trap shooting, as well as pheasant and deer hunting. Over time, he built lasting friendships with fellow outdoor and hunting enthusiasts. These were bonds formed through shared experiences and a mutual appreciation for the sport.

In 1965, Kent married the love of his life, Betty, whom he met while attending Emporia State. Their marriage was built on deep respect, mutual admiration, and a steady commitment to each other's happiness. Together, they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 17, 2025. This is a testament to their enduring bond and shared love of life.

Kent and Betty were blessed with two sons: Darrin (born 1968) and Mark (born 1973). As a father, Kent was quietly devoted, illustrating his love not through grand gestures but through meaningful moments, shared stories, and steady presence. Though not a man of many words, his actions spoke volumes. His sons always knew how proud he was of them. At times, a word never even needed to be said.

When Kent spoke, he did so with intention. His words carried weight, grace, and quiet strength. Kent never placed anything above his family, making time for the people he loved and always being there with dignity and quiet resolve.

His legacy lives on not only in Betty, Darrin, and Mark, but also in his beloved daughter-in -laws: Crystal Mae Hanby and Cynthia Marie Hanby, and adored grandchildren: Connery May Hanby, Harrison Robert Hanby, and Wilton Champ Hanby. To the grandkids, he was "Papa" and "Gramps.” He will always have a presence with them through the stories we share, the Christian values he embodied, and his enduring love.

Through us, they will always understand what it means to be loved by a man as strong, kind, and true as you - dad, husband grandfather or simply as Kent.

All now that remains is goodbye or should we say, “see you later.” None of us want to accept it but must. We will try and approach this new world with the same resolve and confidence you approached every day. This pain we feel from our loss is immeasurable. At times, we are a wreck without you here. Every time we breath it reminds us of you. When each of us are spiraling in our own personal sorrow, we will remember the words you said, we will remember the life you led. We will remember you.

We will miss you dearly. Mom will miss your steadfast love, Christlike character, companionship, protection, care, warmth, conversation and the overall vision of life you shared. Darrin and I will miss your encouragement, wisdom, guidance, sacrifice, faith, values, conversation, humor and joy.

Above all , we will all miss your towering presence, the way you laughed, the way your wisdom softened as we all hung onto every word. We will miss the way your love never asked to be earned. You were our dad, husband, friend, hero and constant. And though the world will go on, a part of ours will stand still, reading, laughing and sitting with you, as you ever-so-gently last held our hands.