A life well lived!

Charles "Kent" Kanning, 88, passed away Monday, June 15, 2020 to his Lord and Savior.  His life was so full.  He had a deep faith in his Lord, great love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.

Born in Fort Wayne, he was a son to the late Charles and Bertha Kanning.  He proudly served his country in the Navy Seabees during the Korean War and was a member of American Legion Post #241.   Kent had unwavering patriotism!

Kent was a hard worker who took pride in his profession as a union brick mason from the Fort Wayne area for over 50 years and was the president of Bricklayers Union Local #4 of the Fort Wayne Chapter.  He was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church and a member of the Emmaus Men's Club.

Kent loved the lake life and traveling.  He embraced the simple joys of life and was always our biggest fan.  Oh, how he loved us.  We will always remember the twinkle in his eye and wonderful spirit.  He was the best husband, dad and grandpa anyone could ask for.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Kent is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Marie (Buuck) Kanning; children, Steven (Susan) Kanning, Beth (James) Brackmann and Jill Kanning; 11 grandchildren, Phillip (Elisa) Brackmann, Claire (Ryan) Higman, Allison (Justin) Hanford, Stacie (Kevin) Gass, Stephanie (Randy) Kanning-Wyse, J.P. Eberbach, Bradley (Dani) Eberbach, Bryce Kanning, Hope Kanning, Teddie Sauer and Josie Sauer; 12 great grandchildren, Keaton, Carson, Cohen, Brody, Lydia, Miranda, Stella, Connor, Carter, Brooke, Ellery and Emilia;  with one on the way.

Kent was preceded in death by grandson, Ryan; brother, H. Mark Kanning; sisters, Lois Frede, Faye Parent, Ruth Stiver and D. Jean Melvin.

Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 8626 Covington Road, with calling one hour prior.   Calling is also 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 202 at Covington Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road.  He will be laid to rest at Covington Memorial Gardens.

Preferred memorials are to Emmaus Lutheran Church or Concordia Lutheran High School.