Byron “Kent” Radcliff, 78, of Dexter, Kans., passed away Sunday morning, July 24 at William Newton Hospital.
Born December 21, 1937 in Wichita, Kans., he was the son of Byron M. and Beatrice (Heenan) Radcliff. He was raised in Wichita, receiving his early education at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. He then attended and graduated from Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois. After high school, Kent attended Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry in 1959. He was an active member in Lamdi Chi Alpha and continued to support his chapter. Kent joined his father in the family owned businesses of Valentine Manufacturing, Interlocking Stave and Silo and Radcliff Ranch. His passion for ranching led him to manage the family ranch in Dexter, Kans. He was instrumental in the development of range management and burning in the Flint Hills during the mid 1970’s.
He was united in marriage to Paula McMillon on January 19, 1974 in Wichita, Kans. The couple made their home in Dexter, where he continued to manage the family ranch. Kent was involved with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Department, where he was on active duty from August 1985 until 1991. He remained as a Firearm’s Instructor with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Department until 2015. In 1991, Kent and Paula started Powder Valley Services, a reloading components distributor. Kent was a very dedicated and active member of his community. He served as Dexter Fire Chief and was instrumental in organizing the Cowley County Fire Districts. He was also on the Dexter Township Board for more than 40 years and served as President of Grouse-Silver Creek Watershed for 35 years. He served on the board of Monarch Cement of Humbolt, Kans., for over 56 years, making him the longest serving board member. Kent served on the Snyder Foundation Board, was a member of the Kansas Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, a legacy member and contributor to the Kansas State and Oklahoma State Rifle Association and a member of the Osage Nation.
His family includes: His wife, Paula Radcliff of Dexter; his sons, Byron James Radcliff and wife, Cynthia of Steamboat, Colo.; Robert Kent Radcliff and wife, Amanda of Chicago, Ill.; Ryan Travis Radcliff and wife, Deb of Santa Cruz, Calif.; his daughter Noel Richardson and husband Bryan of Winfield; and his grandchildren, Byron William, Trevor, Paige and Jenna.
Kent was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held on July 29 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Winfield. Interment was held at the Dexter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to your favorite charity in Kent’s name or to the Kansas State Rifle Association, Sporting Friends of Cowley County or the Cowley County 4-H.
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2016-08-25 00:00:00
