Lamont “Kent” Hornbeck
December 26, 1954 - April 4, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Lamont “Kent” Hornbeck on April 4, 2025, at the age of 70. Kent was born on December 26, 1954, in Nevada, Missouri, and grew up in Topeka, Kansas, before moving to Salt Lake City, Utah.
It was at Highland High School that he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Lynda. They married in June 1974 and for “50 years” built a life centered on family, love, and laughter.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Kent was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone in need. He always had time to listen, to share a story, or to lighten the mood with a good-natured prank. His family will always remember his handwritten notes, mischievous personality, and how he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone.
Kent was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Helm; his father, Ora J. Hornbeck; his stepfather, J.A. Helm; and his brother, Jack E. Helm.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lynda Irene Cutler-Hornbeck; daughter, Camie Merrill (Dean); grandchildren, Kylie Asay (Keaton) and Carson Merrill (Sydney); and great-grandchildren, Blakely and Greyson Asay. He is also lovingly remembered by sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Among his grandchildren, Kent shared a particularly special bond with Carson.
Kent was a dedicated and hardworking man, who found fulfillment teaching Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) at Salt Lake Community College. Outside of work, his passions were many— he loved road trips to Wendover with Lynda, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, watching NASCAR, and enjoying a good movie.
He cherished family traditions like Father’s Day at the zoo, summer swimming, and annual Christmas Eve celebrations. These moments created a tightly knit family full of love and lasting memories. His grandchildren will never forget the sweet sound of him saying, “Grandpa loves you.”
A true patriot at heart, Kent had a deep love for his country, his Chevy trucks, the American flag, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He also had a soft spot for dogs, a love for hats, guns, and pocket knives, and never missed a chance to share a story from his remarkable life.
Kent will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Friday, April 11th from 6 pm to 8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, UT. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building
In Loving Memory
I'm so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayers
We will always cherish our friendship and you will never be forgotten, prayers for his precious wife and family
We've lost a truly special person in Kent. I will always remember his vibrant spirit and the way he could bring laughter and light to the school. I'll especially cherish the memories of his playful pranks and the way he'd like to blast the songs he knew would get stuck in my head as I was prepping for my class - those moments, in their own quirky way are a testament to his fun loving nature. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. I know his presence in will be greatly missed.
I am going to miss your old man, Father, Grandpa and all he was to everyone. He was my good friend and comrade for many years. One of our favorite jokes we shared was good old Dirty Harry. See you on the other side Brother.
Cam loves you!
In Loving Memory
