Francis Kent Cushing, known to family and friends as Kent, was born on June 29, 1941. He passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at The Gables Assisted Living in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was under the care of Gables and Eden Home Health and Hospice staff and his loving son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Kathryn Cushing. Kent leaves behind a lifetime of love and devotion to his family.

Kent attended Idaho Falls High School, where he met the love of his life, Betty Lou Wessel. The two first met in the high school cafeteria, and a simple invitation to dance eventually grew into a lifelong partnership.

On September 26, 1959, Kent and Betty were married and began a marriage that would span nearly 65 years. Together they built a life centered around family and raised two sons, Bradly Scott and Craig Kent. He coached them in Little League and shared his love of sports with them.

Kent built his career in the grocery business, working as a store manager and eventually as a general manager and representative. He had a particular talent for taking struggling stores and bringing them back to life. He worked hard, took pride in what he did, and provided faithfully for his family. He retired in American Falls in the late 1990s and later returned to Idaho Falls.

While Kent worked hard, he also knew how to enjoy life. He and Betty traveled to Hawaii and the Caribbean and, in their later years, became snowbirds, spending time together in Mesa, Arizona. Their travels and adventures became part of the many memories they shared throughout their marriage.

Sports were a big part of Kent’s life. He loved all sports, especially Boise State football. He loved watching his grandchildren play and was always one of their biggest supporters. From coaching his own boys to cheering on his grandchildren, sports gave Kent many special memories with his family.

To his grandchildren, Kent was their teddy bear. Beneath his hardworking and practical nature was an enormous heart. He was fiercely loyal to his grandchildren and loved them deeply. They knew they were special to him, and they knew Grandpa Kent would always be in their corner. His love for his family was steady, unconditional, and one of the greatest gifts he gave them.

His greatest accomplishment was the family he loved and the life he built with Betty. His legacy lives on in his son Craig and daughter-in-law Kathryn, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and in the countless memories they will carry with them. He is also survived by his beloved sister Karen Staples in Washington State.

Kent will be deeply missed, but the love he gave his family will remain with them always.

Family and friends are invited to gather together to remember and celebrate Kent's life at a graveside service to be held at 10:30 a.m. on October 3, 2026, at Rose Hill Cemetery. Cremation was under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.