Dr. Jon Kent Dezelle, 79, of Beaumont, died peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at home surrounded by his family. Kent was born in Jacksonville, Texas, to John C. and Wyline Swearingen Dezelle. He attended Beaumont High School, graduating with the Class of 1953; the University of Texas; and graduated from the University of Texas Dental School-Houston in 1960.
He practiced Pediatric Dentistry in Beaumont from 1960-1997. Kent was active in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the TDA, the ADA and the Sabine District Dental Society. Kent was passionate about the dental education of children. His goal was to alleviate the fear of dentistry and instill the values of good and regular dental health in children. He initiated and provided an area wide dental education program for both public and private schools. Bippo the Hippo, was a life-size dancing cartoon character, who traveled with his pal, the Clown, to elementary schools within a 100 mile radius of Beaumont.
Kent loved many hobbies which included, bird hunting, fly fishing, golf, photography, trap and skeet shooting, skiing and music. His last interest was HAM Radio, and was affiliated with national and local HAM Radio societies.
Kent is survived by his wife, Charlotte Linnens Dezelle; sons, Bryan DeCordova and his wife, Bee of Austin, Texas; and Mark DeCordova and his wife, Kristie of Conroe, Texas; sister, Jackie Dezelle Bean and her husband, Raymon, of Birmingham, Alabama; and grandchildren, Stephen, Scott, Kaleigh, Colby and Rachel DeCordova.
The family wishes to express their gratitude and thanks to the Earth Angels, who provided such tender care to both Kent and Charlotte, and a very special thank you to The Lunch Bunch: Cyd Conley, Michelle Parker and Carolyn Mouton.
A gathering of Dr. Dezelle’s family and friends will be held on Friday, October 17, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2014, at Broussard’s.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Some Other Place, P O Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.