Karl Kent Kavel, M.D., was born on March 29, 1936, in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, the son of George C. and Naomi R. (Harris) Kavel.
Kent led a distinguished career in medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh in 1959, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1964 from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest College. He completed a residency in Pediatrics at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, D.C., in 1968 and became board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in 1970.
In 1971, Kent pursued a residency in Pediatric Allergy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The following year, he passed the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, certifying him to practice medicine and surgery in the state. He completed a fellowship in Pediatric Allergy at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1972 and became board-certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology in 1974.
He was devoted to the care of children and their families and practiced medicine with compassion, curiosity, and commitment. Remarkably, he continued working well into his late 70s, retiring at the age of 80.
Kent married the love of his life, Marcia Kathryn Bonebreak on August 5, 1961, in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. They shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before her passing. His favorite thing to do was anything that included Marcia. Together, they enjoyed socializing, traveling, reading, yard work, crossword puzzles, wine, and lifelong learning.
Kent was a unique individual—highly intelligent, yet equally gifted in athletics and the arts. He earned a full-ride scholarship to Harvard University to play quarterback for their football team, a dream cut short by an injury sustained during the final practice of his high school football season. Beyond medicine, he was a talented artist, whether it be caricatures, realistic paintings, or designing houses.
Above all, Kent was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Desbien of Lindsborg, Kansas; his two grandchildren, Hayes and Isabelle; and his brother, Tim Kavel of Saint Simons Island, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marcia.
Cremation has taken place, and in accordance with Kent’s wishes, no memorial services are planned. A private inurnment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date.
Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St., Salina, Kansas, is handling arrangements.