Joe Gentry

Joseph Fielding “Joe” Gentry passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021 just short of his 104 birthday. Joe was born in Richfield, July 21, 1917, the oldest son of Milton Henry and Ivy Jane Erickson Gentry. He attended elementary and high school in Beaver, graduating in the class of 1935. He also graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1941, majoring in agronomy, with a minor in Spanish. He also served as a member of the Beaver unit of the National Guard, headquarters battery, third battalion 222nd field artillery, and in World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps for a short time. Joe worked for the government with the Soil Conservation Office for a few years. He was then employed for several years in resort hotels including the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park in the summer, and the Desert Inn in Palm Springs, California in the winter. In 1955, he moved to Richfield where he was employed with KSVC radio station. He left the radio in 1972 and worked for JC Penney before retiring. Then in 1982, he was called out of retirement by Kent Colby to host his Sunday radio program, Musical Masterpieces, which he continued to age 102 when Covid-19 hit. Joe often stated that he owed his longevity and good health to riding his pedal bike as his main means of transportation for most of his life, along with eating a healthy diet. He also found enjoyment in raising a garden, playing the classical guitar, and creating his “Musical Masterpieces” radio program which featured the classical greats, a variety of both instrumental and vocal music, and a mix of polkas. Joe was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong conviction of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joe often referred to himself as the “last leaf on the tree” as he outlived all of his siblings which included: Mack (Rhea) Gentry, Richfield; William (Glenda) Gentry, Richfield; Mary Lou (Spence) Roberts, Cedar City; Frank (Mona Lou) Gentry, Richfield; and Ruby Jane (Dale) Roberts, Annabella. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, his 104 birthday, at 11:00 am, at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield where friends and family are welcome to attend a viewing from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.