Kenton Marc Stiles, 55, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, in Marion. He was born in Twin Falls, ID, May 12, 1967, to Rev. Fred and Sandra Stiles, where he joined older sister, Jeanne. The family lived in nearby Buhl where Rev. Stiles pastored the Church of the Nazarene. Subsequent moves took the family to Ojai, CA; Dallas, OR; and Milwaukie, OR.
Kent graduated top of his class from Milwaukie High School in 1985 and headed to Northwest Nazarene College, now University, in Nampa, ID. He graduated summa cum laude in 1989 and moved to Kansas City, MO, to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1993. He added a Master of Arts degree, this one in art history, from University of Missouri-Kansas City four years later. He received his Ph.D. from Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, in October 2007.
Kent met his wife, Debbie (Hall), during their college days in Nampa. They married in 1990, adding children to the family in 1998 (Bradley David) and 2001 (Madeline Grace). Over the years, the family lived in Bay Point, CA; Medford, OR; and Marion, IN. Kent served several churches as youth and worship pastor and in Marion as art history professor. Most recently, he served Taylor University as the Director of the Boren Western Art Gallery.
By high school, Kent’s skill with watercolors earned him a blue ribbon in the county fair for his first painting, “Sunrise.” More ribbons and paintings followed. He also had an avid interest in tennis, lettering on his high school and college teams.
Besides his watercolors, Kent’s artistic skill extended to building oak furniture, especially in the Craftsman style. From bookshelves and picture frames to chairs and murphy beds, and side tables to mica lamps, he filled his home and his Etsy store with beautiful pieces. Spending time in his wood shop was one of his joys.
Kent is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Bradley and Madeline; mother, Sandra; sister, Jeanne (Curty); and other extended family. He is preceded in death by his father.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 pm at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be given to Cancer Services of Grant County, Tower Suites, 305 S. Norton Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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