Charles R. Brent

Charles Robert “Bob” Brent, age 97, passed away on May 2, 2018 at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, Vermont surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in East Weare, New Hampshire on Jan. 12, 1921 to Alice (Murphy) Brent and Nathanial C. Brent. He was raised in Manchester, New Hampshire and graduated from Manchester Central High School in the Class of 1938. He moved to Springfield, Vt. in 1938 to work in North Springfield for his uncle William Murphy. Eventually he went to work at Fellows Gear Shaper where he worked in the Export Department for 44 years, retiring in 1984.

Suddenly, World War II came along and in June 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy as a naval aviator. He was assigned to the VB -108 B-24 squadron and was stationed in the South Pacific where he was a flight engineer and tail gunner for which he received the Bronze Star. He was an extremely proud veteran and received his honorable discharge in October 1945.

While in Springfield, he met a young lady named Marion H. Williamson who was sister to his uncle’s wife. Marion would eventually become his wife getting married in San Diego, California on June 15, 1945 just prior to his discharge from the Navy. After returning from his military service they would make their home and raise their family in Springfield and return to work at Fellows.

Bob loved to golf and was a founding member and board member of Crown Point Country Club. He was also a founding partner of Great Eastern Manufacturing Company in Springfield. He enjoyed spending his summer vacations at the family summer cottages in Island Pond, Vermont. He was a member of BPOE Springfield Lodge 1560 where he was recently recognized for 72 years of membership. He was also a 77-year member of the Odd Fellows, as well as a member of the Masons and Eastern Star. He was also a longtime member of the Springfield United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his daughter Patricia Brent-Sorenson of Meriden, New Hampshire and his son Douglas Brent and wife Renee of South Burlington, Vermont, their children and their families. He is also survived by his niece Beverly Green of Las Vegas, Nevada, three grand-nieces and one grand-nephew and their families. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Marion Brent; his parents, his in-laws, and his son-in-law George D. Sorenson.

Services were held on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, with calling hours from 1 to 2 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, Vermont or to the Springfield United Methodist Church.

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

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