Dr. Kent Lee Floerke

Dr. Kent Lee Floerke, 86, of Gainesville, TX, passed away May 24, 2022 in Gainesville.

Kent was born January 16, 1936 in Kansas City, KS.  He attended Rosedale High School in Kansas City where he graduated in 1954 as valedictorian, served as class president, was 1st chair violinist and School Chaplin, and was an All-state athlete in football, basketball, and track and field.

He then attended the University of Kansas where he graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1958 and was a collegiate All-American in track & field in both the long jump and triple jump events.

A highlight of his athletic career includes the honor of representing the U.S. Track & Field team in the triple jump event in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.  It is noteworthy that Kent’s beloved brother, William Floerke, later made the 1976 US Olympic Team in the javelin event, but did not compete since the US chose to boycott the Olympics that year due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.  Kent was honored years later and was inducted in the University of Kansas, Drake Relays, and Missouri Valley Halls of Fame.

He later obtained master’s degrees in Counseling and student services as well as a master’s in school administration and supervision from California State University in 1968.  He capped off his academic achievements with obtaining a doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas in educational administration in 1988 with his dissertation involving the impact of stress on school principals.

His other noteworthy lifetime achievements include his serving in the US Army with commendation and distinction.  He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Delta Kappa honorary societies.  He was also listed in “Who’s Who in the South and Southwest” and “Men of Distinction.”

The majority of his active working years were spent in education settings, where he served in the various capacities, including as college professor, college dean, HS principal, school counselor, and in his later years as a licensed professional counselor within the TX MHMR system.

Kent was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many different positions during his membership, including serving as First Counselor, High Priest, and as a priesthood teacher.

He was a loving and devoted husband, married to his wife Sandra for over 63 years and doted on his children and many grandchildren.  His hobbies included a lifelong love of new learning, reading, gardening, stamp and coin collecting.

Survivors include: wife, Sandra Joe Floerke of Gainesville; daughter, Kendra Neeve Mañon of Gainesville; daughter, Dana Marie Phillips and husband of Lawton, OK; son, Michael Albert Floerke and wife, Carla of North Richland Hills, TX; daughter, Kristine Noel Clinton and husband, Gary Jr. of Gainesville; daughter, Karen Call and husband, Tracey of Gainesville; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Cynda Kennion of Gainesville; sister, Shiela Cox of Kansas City, KS; and sister-in-law, Nancy Floerke of Lenexa, KS.

Dr. Floerke was preceded in death by: parents, Albert William and Agnes Sophie (Schierle) Floerke; son, Mark Clive Floerke; son, Matthew Oliver Floerke; brother, Bill Floerke; brother, Clive Floerke; sister, Shloe Flanagan; sister, Sharil Chosewood; and brother-in-law, Allen Cox.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Gainesville.  Mr. Floerke was laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Woodbine, TX.