Kent Wayne Hubbard

Kent Hubbard, 70, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 5th, 2025. He was born on September 30th, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Mary and Kenneth Hubbard. Kent’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service.

From an early age, he felt a calling to ministry, and for more than 50 years he served as an ordained minister in both the Free Will Baptist and Church of the Nazarene denominations. He was a gifted preacher and found great joy in studying scripture and preparing sermons. More than that, Kent was a loving pastor who offered comfort, guidance, and care to families through all stages of life. His quick wit and humor often brought warmth and laughter, alongside wisdom and insight.

Growing up in St. Louis, Kent participated in choir, quartet groups, and school musicals. He remained proud of his St. Louis roots throughout his life and was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He began his college education at St. Louis University, studying Pre-Law and Political Science, but soon after felt called to pastoral ministry. He transferred to Hillsdale Bible College in Oklahoma City, where he met the love of his life, Cheryl Staggs. Kent and Cheryl were married on July 30th, 1977, and together built a life centered on faith, love, and family.

Kent was the eldest of three children and is survived by his two sisters, Susan Jackson and Laura Shamel, who continue to reside in the St. Louis area. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cheryl Hubbard; his three children, Kyle Hubbard (Megan) of Tulsa, Clay Hubbard (Rachel) of Oklahoma City, and Crystal Hubbard of Oklahoma City; and his six adoring grandchildren: Mason, Kate, John Luke, Kash, Jude, and Quinn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mary Hubbard; his brother-in-law, Michael Jackson; his nephew, Jon Ross Staggs; and his daughter’s life partner, Jake Bogdanich.

A testament to his faith, Kent lived by generosity, selflessness, compassion, and friendship. He led with humility, wisdom, commitment to decency, and a giftedness in lively storytelling. Kent will be fondly remembered by his genuine kindness and heartfelt desire to know, love, and serve The Lord. He found immense joy in his title of "Papa" to all of his cherished grandchildren and delighted in attending their games and performances.

Kent, a master of empathetic humor, also possessed a remarkable capacity to comfort, encourage, and inspire those around him through their own seasons of joy and sorrow. As his son Kyle tenderly offered in Kent’s final moments, “I know no one is perfect, but he was pretty close.” The lyrics to a favorite hymn, Amazing Grace filled the room as Kent’s spirit peacefully and poetically departed his physical body, with his wife and children by his side.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home 14624 N. May Ave. OKC, OK 73134.

A service to honor Kent's life will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Edmond First Church of the Nazarene, 3001 S. Blvd. Edmond, OK 73013.

While flowers are welcome and appreciated, for those who wish to honor Kent in another meaningful way, contributions may be made to Impact Ministry – Hubbard Memorial, continuing Pastor Kent’s legacy of compassion, advocacy, vision, and love for children.

• By Mail: Trinity Church of the Nazarene 7301 S. Walker Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73139 Memo: Impact Ministry – Hubbard Memorial
• Venmo: @TrinityNazOKC

Memo: Impact Ministry – Hubbard Memorial

Online: www.tcnokc.com