Sents, John Dean

John Dean Sents, 72, of Marion, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion by the Rev. Dan Sanford. Friends may call one hour before services Saturday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Pella.

John was born March 10, 1938, the son of John and Harriett (Huizinga) Sents, in Pella, Iowa, where he lived until moving to Cedar Rapids as a child. He graduated from Franklin High School and spent most of his adult life driving a cab in Cedar Rapids.

He was known for his kindness to all and his quiet humor. John loved movies of all kinds and was an avid collector of books, movies, pictures, and memorabilia. His favorite genre was old time Westerns. John knew what year they were released, who produced, directed, and starred in them and the storyline! When he wasn't driving cab or caring for his parents, he was attending Western Movie conventions. He attended them in Memphis, Charlotte, Asheville, Winston Salem, California, and Williamsburg, and even attended a James Bond opening in London, England. He was such an avid and well-loved fan that he received the Williamsburg Classic Film Guild Award in 2008.

John loved gadgets, and singing and dancing animated toys were his favorite, making him a much-loved uncle to his nieces and nephews. He also loved making home movies and editing them with titles and soundtracks. John was a member of First Church of the Open Bible and an active member of the local Camera Club.

Survivors include a brother, Jerry (Sharon) of Apex, N.C.; nieces, Michelle (Andrew) of London, England and Melissa (Craig) Bailey of Raleigh, N.C.; nephew, Michael (Katrina) Sents of Holly Springs, N.C.; six great-nieces and great-nephews, Cara, Jade and Jonas Bailey and Alex, Raelee and Jerrod-Thomas Sents; an uncle, Tunis Sents of Caldwell, Idaho; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Larry.

The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Gardens and Hospice Compassus, especially Wanda Church for the tender love and care given to John.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to Hospice Compassus, 610 32nd Ave. SW, Suite F, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 or Open Bible Church, 1911 E Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

Please sign the online guest book for John at  under obituaries.