Colonel Kent McCord Monroe
1935-2005
Kent was born in Erwin, Tennessee on Thanksgiving Day, 28 Nov. 1935. His
parents were Mary Huntzinger Monroe and Dr. Harmon L. Monroe. He attended
Elm Street Elementary School (except for third and fourth grades during
WWII) and Unicoi County High School. He was active in various academic clubs
and organizations as well as athletic programs.
Following high school graduation in 1953, Kent was awarded a football
scholarship by Clemson University. While at Clemson, Kent majored in
electrical engineering and was a member of the Air Force ROTC. He graduated
in June 1957, cum laude, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in
Electrical Engineering. While awaiting an assignment for pilot’s training,
Kent was employed by Boeing Airplane Company in Wichita, Kansas as a Flight
Test Instrumentation Engineer. He received orders to report for active duty
in June 1958.
 Some
of Kent’s assignments while a Member of the United States Air Force included
piloting the B-47, B-52, C-7, C-131, and T-33 aircraft, jet engine and
rocket motor testing at the Arnold Engineering Development Center, Air Staff
duties at the Pentagon, Deputy Director of Logistics for the B-1B and the
Oklahoma Air Logistics Center Director of Maintenance. He served a combat
tour in South Vietnam during 1968 – 1969 after receiving a Master of Science
degree in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of
Technology. Colonel Monroe retired in July 1984 after more than 26 years of
service to his country. His awards included two Legion of Merits, the
Distinguished Flying Cross, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Medals
and numerous others such as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
In August 1984, Kent was employed by the Lockheed Space Operations
Company (LSOC) as a manager in their Space Shuttle logistics organization.
During the almost nine years at the Kennedy Space Center, Kent was involved
in many activities required to keep our Nation in space. His positions while
associated with the Space Shuttle program included Director of departments
performing logistics engineering, purchasing, subcontracting, technical
training, warehousing, supply and transportation. In May 1993, Kent departed
to pursue the life of a retiree.
As a true retiree, Kent was involved in wild life rehabilitation, motor
cycling (Harleys), building and repairing personal computers, photography,
boating as well as helping his wife, Gay, with gardening and a multitude of
artistic endeavors. Time ran out before other dreams could come true.
Kent died in his home on October 20, 2005 in Gay's arms.
Kent is survived by his:
Wife, Carlene Gay Perry Monroe
Children: Kent Jr., Mary Monroe Bashor, Jeanne, and Michael
Grand children: Stephen, Stephan, Jonathan and Jackie Marie
Sisters: Helen Saver and Carol Tilson
Five great grand children
Kent was both a strong and gentle man who also raised orchids and rescued
injured and orphaned wildlife for the state of Florida. |
