Dustin Michael Kent, 35, of Mendota, Illinois, passed away on January 2, 2026, in Mendota. He was born on April 2, 1990, in Mendota to Lonnie and Lannette (Chandler) Kent.

Dustin was united in marriage to Casey Mae Nance in Ottawa, on June 12, 2024.

Dustin was funny, smart, and adventurous, with a love for hiking, exploring new campsites, taking spontaneous road trips, and cooking. He enjoyed watching Sci-Fi movies with Casey, playing video games with his kids and wife, and beating everyone whoever challenged him in Monopoly.

Dustin’s true passion was gardening, which led him to start Kent Farms in 2017. He was a Mendota Farmer’s Market regular, proudly displaying a wide range of fruits and vegetables for sale.

Dustin was a graduate of Mendota High School and studied wind power at IVCC. He had worked for Schwan’s, Carus Chemical in Peru, Corden Pharma, Mendota High School, and most recently was a Certified Professional Maintenance Manager for CCSD Mendota District 289.

He is survived by his wife, Casey Kent of Mendota, and his loving children, Delila, Wyatt, and Emerson (all at home), who carry forward his values, humor, and strength; his father, Lonnie Kent of Plymouth, IL; his mother, Lannette (Don) Cleary of Mendota.

He is also survived by his brothers, Tyler (Angela) Kent and Doug Cleary of Mendota and Alan Cleary of Dixon; sisters Courtney (Randy Jr). Tucker, Tammy Kackert, and Heather Cleary all of Mendota. Dustin also leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Cassie, Colin, Aiden, Delaney, Landon, Grayson, Cash, Bayleigh, Kinzlee, Amelia, Rylee, and Brynlee; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Further survived by mother and father in-laws Marsha (Gary) Feldkirchner of Morrison, Sam (Sheila) Nance of Channahon; Brothers in-law Dan (Jessica) Nance of Kenton, MI and AJ (Kaitlyn) Feldkirchner of Sterling; Sisters in-law Alesha (Ryan) Cardwell of Sterling, Natalie (Steve) Smith of Nebraska City, NE, and Stephanie (Tony) Surratt of Neosho, MO.

Dustin was proceeded in death by his stepmother, Gloria Kent, his maternal grandparents Joe and Sally Chandler, paternal grandparents, Oran and Shirley Kent, and an uncle, Mike Kent.

A visitation to celebrate Dustin’s life will be held on Sunday, January 11th, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, located at 800 Monroe Street, Mendota, Illinois. Memorials can be made to the family. Please visit hornermeritt.com for an online guest book and a video tribute. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.