Kent Eric Kercheval, age 58, of Sheridan, Indiana, passed away on Monday morning, June 17, 2024, surrounded by his wife and loving family, at IU North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana, following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
David and Wanda Kercheval were blessed with the birth of their third son, Kent, on May 22, 1966, in Frankfort, Indiana. He graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1984 and later earned a degree in Industrial Illustration from Purdue University.
Kent had a distinguished 15+ year career as a Controller for Keystone Cooperative (previously known as Ceres Solutions and Hamilton County Co-Op), where he was known for his innovative problem-solving, matter-of-fact communication style, and infectious laughter. His incredible dedication to providing for his family was evident through his “whatever-it-takes” work ethic. Before working for Keystone, Kent demonstrated an aptitude for anything he attempted professionally. From taxes and accounting with his father, to construction and HVAC; from technical drawing at Allison Gas Turbine, to entrepreneurship; Kent was a self-identified “Jack of All Trades”.
Kent married his childhood sweetheart, Tamme, in 1986. They shared a beautiful life and marriage for what would’ve been 38 years this July, raising four children: Brandon, Bradley, Benjamin, and Baylee. Kent was a devoted husband, father, and Papaw, always placing family as the priority of his life. He always claimed to have “married up”, but Tamme’s reciprocated love for him left no room for doubt – they shared something extraordinary. If you were to ask him about his family, Kent would beam with pride and tell you about the accomplishments of his kids, their spouses, and his grandchildren.
A notorious tinkerer, Kent loved spending time in the garage or around their property, fixing, improving, and solving. He spent many evenings “facing East”, enjoying the fresh country air, and listening to bluegrass, classic country, and gospel music. He was an accomplished musician and singer, known for his beautiful bass voice. We could always count on Kent to have music playing and enjoyed listening to him sing along.
He was known for his quiet kindness, quick wit, contagious humor, wise counsel, and unwavering integrity. Friends and family will remember his laugh and hugs, balanced with a playful mischievousness.
Kent is survived by the love of his life, Tamra Lynn (Scobee) Kercheval. She and Kent were married on July 5, 1986. Also surviving are 3 sons, Brandon Kent Kercheval (Lydia) of Columbus, Indiana, Bradley Eric Kercheval (Heather) of Westfield, and Benjamin Lee Kercheval (Ashley) of Evans, Georgia; daughter, Baylee Lynn Demaree (Andrew) of Jamestown; 5 grandchildren, Hazel, Oliver, Adaline, Corinne, and Kovala; by his mother, Wanda Lee (Harris) Kercheval of Kirklin; 3 brothers, Kevin Lee Kercheval (Melea) of Michigantown, Kyle David Kercheval (Denise) of Sheridan, and Karl Neil Kercheval (Jessica) of Michigantown; and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Lee Kercheval; paternal grandparents, Everett and Lucille Kercheval; maternal grandparents, Russell “Rut” and Avianell “Avi” Harris; and by his brother-in-law, Mark Aaron Scobee.
A celebration of Kent’s life will take place at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th Street, Sheridan, Indiana, with visitation from 3:00 PM until the time of service. Pastor Jerome Sack of Radiant Christian Life will be officiating. Kent will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Kirklin, Indiana at a later date. If you wish to donate funds, all proceeds recieved at the celebration will be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research in Kent’s honor.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of IU North Hospital and IU Health Central Indiana Cancer Center in Fishers for their compassionate care and support over the last 16 months.
Kent’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts and testimonies of all who knew him.