Dwight Earl Trent, 78, of Daniels, WV went to be with our Lord and Savior on May 29, 2024 following a long illness.
Born August 10, 1945 in Simon, WV, he was the son of the late Harry Merritt Trent and Vivian Kathryn Humphrey Trent. Dwight grew up in the town of Helen, WV and graduated from Mark Twain High School in 1963. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers: Harold Dean Trent, Harry "Buddy" Trent, Alvin "Snook" Trent and an infant sister.
Those left to cherish his memory include: his wife (and best friend) of 54 years, Sandra, and their two children: Dwight "Rusty" Trent II and Stephani Trent (Jonathan Sneed). He is also survived by two beautiful granddaughters: Tenley Rae and Hayden Grace Trent.
Other survivors include his siblings: Keith Trent (Tammy); Gayle Teaster (Marshall); Cheryl Lambert (Jerry) and Sue Lewis (John) and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Dwight started his occupational journey with Slab Fork Coal Company in which he was employed in several positions. He was an accountant by trade, working primarily with coal companies for 35 years; he spent the remaining 19 years with Tamarack Best of WV until he retired in 2015. He also assisted several local, small businesses in getting established. Dwight was raised as a Master Mason in 1971; he progressed through the Scottish Rite and became a Shriner. He received his 50 year pin 2021. He was a man of integrity, honesty and fairness, both personally and professionally. He successfully instilled these values and a great work ethic in his own children where his legacy will live on.
Of all of his achievements in life, his family was the most rewarding. He was not only proud, but also routinely celebrated (and boasted) his wife's and children's accomplishments. His love and compassion could be observed in the interactions with his family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, fast cars (particularly his Chevelle "The Blue Goose"), watching old westerns, the New England Patriots and a good ole-fashioned Honey Bun. He had a love for animals, both wild and domestic. He loved the sport of basketball, playing and coaching in some capacity most of his life. But of all of his loves, dancing with his wife would have made the top of the list. It is notable to mention, he had also been known to dance solo and play a mean air guitar to the blues, too.
While he was a man who lived by the book and would present as strict at times, his intentions were always pure. He was always known to take the high road, have a quick wit, twinkling eyes and an infectious smile. During life's trials and tribulations, he was always there to remind you to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps." However, there was nothing like the softer side of Dwight who was quite the jokester. He was the family's rock, biggest cheerleader and unwavering provider through the years. He was an amazing husband, father, "Poppy," and a loyal friend.
His granddaughters brought a side out of him that only rivaled the birth of his own children. Throughout his illness, they exhibited kindness and understanding well beyond their years. They brought him great joy and provided humor during difficult times, which mirrored his own.
Much like how he lived, his departure from his earthly life and reunion with our Creator will be a private one. He did not wish to have a funeral service. He also believed we should show love, support and appreciation for one another while we are still alive. Dwight's love for us surpassed all things and his loss transcends comprehension. But, "Absent of the body, present with the Lord." So, we have comfort in knowing we will be reunited and see him again one day.
For those of you who would like to honor Dwight, we ask that donations be made in his name to the local Bowers Hospice House.