Kent Heyward

Kent Heyward, 83, of Cincinnati passed away January 28, 2026. He was born January 3, 1943, the son of the late Martha and John Kinkella.

Beloved husband of 60 years to Ruth (nee Oliver) Heyward. Loving father of Erica (Scott) McNerney and Scott (Tina Cavaluzzi) Heyward. Cherished grandfather of Claire, Evan, Owen, and Louis. Dear brother of the late Marla Clare, Mark Kinkella, Alan Kinkella, and James Kinkella.

Kent grew up in Fowler, Indiana and Dayton, Ohio, married his high school sweetheart and settled in Cincinnati where he lived with his family for 48 years. Kent had a bachelor's degree from Miami University and a master's degree from Kent State University and started his career as a social worker helping youth with behavioral or developmental issues. Kent transitioned to computer sales when the first Apple computers came on the market. To continue his love of working with children, he specialized in sales to schools. He ended his career in technical support at Summit Country Day school, where he loved helping the staff, teaching keyboarding, and running the lego robotics club. He had as much fun as the kids did with the lego.

Kent was an active Dad and volunteered in many roles with the Boy Scouts, everything from Den Mother to Scoutmaster throughout the years. He even had a stint as a girls soccer coach after he read a book to learn how to play. He was always taking his children on adventures either through stories he made up or by hiking the trails at the Nature center. When his children grew up he then got to enjoy time with his grandchildren.

Kent loved birds and the great outdoors. He participated in butterfly counts, was an avid birder with an active bird life list, and loved to hike. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to see wildlife and experience nature's beauty. Alaska and Costa Rica were his favorites. He was also an avid reader and lifelong learner. Even in his 80s he was learning all he could about AI.

Kent will be remembered as a devoted husband and father and a kind, gentle person always willing to help anyone in need.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 6, 11:30 AM at Anderson Hills Church (7515 Forest Rd.) where visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service. There will be a luncheon at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Cincinnati Nature Center.