Kent Frieze

Kent Wayne Frieze was born on October 10, 1929, one of three infants arriving in the rural home of Cleo Jonah Frieze and Della Mae (Hickman) Frieze. Sadly, one of the triplets did not survive past three days, but Kent and Keith (they were not identical) grew up with their older brother Bill, working the farm with their dad and going to school in a one room schoolhouse. Kent attended Stockton High School, and afterwards enrolled in the University of Missouri, where he met Mary Sue Harrison. After they graduated, they were married on June 14, 1953, and settled in Springfield, Missouri. Kent was hired by the City of Springfield Health Department, primarily inspecting dairies as well as plants that produced milk and related products. He held this job for 46 years and received a commendation from the Governor upon his retirement.

Kent and Sue had three children, Becky, Mike and Natalie, and realized they were outgrowing the little house on Ferguson Street where they were living. It had always been a dream of Kent’s to build his own home, and in 1965 he and Sue did just that. 1963 South Westwood was the address of the residence they would both inhabit until their health no longer permitted.

Kent enjoyed driving and considered 500 miles a day a reasonable goal on any trip! He and the family took several memorable vacations, to various scenic locations such as the Black Hills of South Dakota, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and the family favorite, Decker’s Park Colorado. These trips were always done with the family camping, first in a tent and then later in a pop-up travel trailer. For years he had nothing but American Motors vehicles, until that company went out of business. Somehow, he and Sue would fit enough gear for 5 people into those cars (they were all station wagons) for a 2-week trip!

Kent was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church when he was young, but for the past 35+ years has been an active member of First Baptist Church of Springfield, Missouri. He was a faithful member of the choir, and always enjoyed participating in the music. He was a member of the Chapel Bible study class and could be found there on most every Sunday morning.

He was a hard-working man, who provided for his family. He helped coach Kiwanis Youth Baseball, when his son was old enough to participate. He was a member of the Missouri Fox Trotters Horse Association, and he and Sue would show their horses. He liked John Deere farm equipment, a good Dairy cow, Sue’s Chocolate Chip cookies, coffee (and it should be hot!) and plaid shirts.

Kent was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sue. He is survived by his daughter Becky Frieze Gilbert (spouse Mike, of Surprise, Arizona) son Mike Frieze (spouse Diane, Brighton, Missouri) and daughter Natalie Frieze Blacksher (spouse Steve, Jefferson City, Missouri). His grandchildren are Kimberly Gilbert Martinson, Jeffrey Gilbert, Justin Frieze, Bethany Frieze Martin, Jared Frieze, Andy Blacksher and Ethan Blacksher. Kent had 13 great grandchildren, and numerous other relatives.

Kent spent his last 18 months residing at the Manor at Elfindale, where he departed this earth on Sunday, August 22. The family is comforted by knowing this is not “goodbye”, but rather “we’ll see you later”, as Kent was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and now has joined with his Lord and Savior in Eternity.

PSALM 121:1-2
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 525 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65806.

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The services will be private for family only.

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