OBITUARY: Kent Alan DeVault, 25-Year Palm Bay Police Telecommunicator, Passed Away After Valiant Battle With Cancer

as a true patriot serving in the US Coast Guard

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – It is with great sadness and love that the family of Kent Alan DeVault, of Palm Bay, Florida, share that he passed away peacefully on April 12, 2023, in the comfort of his home at the age of 68.

Kent left this world surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with cancer.

Kent was born on April 8th, 1955, in Morgantown, WV.

Before graduating from Harrisonburg High School in Virginia, Kent earned the honor and distinction of becoming an Eagle Scout in 1970.

This was one of his first accomplishments of great honor in a lifetime of service.

He was a true patriot serving in the U.S. Coast Guard from September 1974 until his retirement in September 1996.

During his military career, he was recognized with numerous awards of excellence before settling in Florida.

Following the USCG, he resumed his drive to help others by joining the Palm Bay Police Department as a telecommunicator in 1997. Kent worked with the PD for nearly 25 years until finally retiring in 2022.

While serving as a telecommunication, he was widely known as the G.O.A.T., the greatest of all time.

Kent was an active and respected member of the board of Palm Bay youth soccer for many years. He also was a certified referee for youth and high school soccer for twenty-five years.

Kent enjoyed golfing and traveling. He and his wife, Judy, enjoyed many trips across the country, creating priceless memories and visiting many of our nation’s national parks.

He had an avid interest in Civil War history and prided himself on visiting every major battlefield and numerous minor battlefields across the east coast.
Kent was a kind and loving man with a wonderful and slightly wicked sense of humor.

His smile and laughter were not just contagious but known and embraced by all who knew him. Being teased by him meant you were greatly loved. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to everyone.

Kent is preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth ShelhamerSoles.

Kent is survived by Judy, his wife of nearly 45 years, and sons Robert (Kaitlyn), Chris (Kayleen), and Brian (Hayley). He also has five grandchildren Emily, Lindsey, Layla, Andrew, and Michaela. Kent is also survived by his brother Keith (Janet) DeVault.

A celebration of life and the love Kent’s family had for him is being held at the American Legion Post 117, at 189 Veterans Dr. SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909, at 1 pm on April 28th.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, or Police Athletic League.

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