Allen Kent Marler

Allen Kent Marler (Kent) died January 29, 2024, in Denver. Kent was born April 10, 1934, in Madison County, Idaho to Allen D. Marler and Edna Anderson Marler.

Edna died in a house fire just a few months later, in November 1934, and his father Allen also nearly died in the fire trying to save her. A few years later, Allen married Vesta (Dot) Daniels, Edna’s cousin, who had cared for Kent after the fire.

In 1951 he graduated from Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho, and attended Idaho State University. Kent met his first wife, Jennie Lou Broadhead, while they were both performing in the ISU musical “Carousel.” They married in August 1955. Kent received his BA from ISU, his MS from Montana State University in Missoula, and his PhD from Northwestern University. He taught at several universities, including University of Montana-Western in Dillon, Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana State University in Billings, and Fresno State University in California, before returning to ISU. Following his academic career, Kent moved to Denver, where he was active in private business and the insurance industry.

He is survived by his brother Lary (Inga) Marler of Hendersonville, North Carolina; four daughters, JeNene (Leon) Anderson of Blackfoot, Idaho; Melody Marler of Viera, Florida; Linda (Dale) Wahlquist of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Suanne Mathews, of Pocatello, Idaho; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Robert and grandson Kyle.

Private family services will be held in Idaho, with interment in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.