This obituary is a bit unconventional, but hopefully it illustrates our Uncle the best it can.

As Kent's niece, I remember him differently than some, but those who knew him will likely relate. For those who didn't know him, Kent was a simple man. He loved his home and independence, he appreciated the land he lived on, he cherished his dog - man's best friend, and selflessly contributed to family and friends.

Kent's photos in his phone are mostly of his dog Bruno, and the rest are of rainbows shining over the horizon from his front porch, turtles and rabbits passing through his yard and a photo that I took of him years ago when he was shooting skeet with one of his best friends, Frankie Jr., his nephews, and his great niece, Paige. This photo represents time spent doing what we love with people we love.

If you spent time with Kent, you'd likely hear him laugh. Hearing his laugh always made me giggle; as it was a unique sound; and watching him laugh would make me laugh harder. His hand gestures and expressions when telling stories were also something unique about him. We had lively conversations and I enjoyed listening to him talk, especially when he told stories about him and my dad.

Kent was a teacher to us, his nieces and nephews. I don't think he probably imagined himself to be much of a teacher, but between him and his good friend Frankie Jr., we had the best men guiding us.

Daniel and Dylon, Kent's twin nephews, spent their younger years with him hunting and fishing. He taught them how to drive tractors and their vehicles. He was only a phone call away when the boys wanted to go hunting or fishing, even on windy or miserable days, he made it happen.

Kent would take them to play darts, and because he was a pro, it was always a competition for the boys to try and beat him. They felt lucky if they got to use his fancy darts, and sometimes he'd let them, as long as they put them back. When our mom was at work, the twins would stay at Kent's, and he'd always make sure they were fed and taken care of, often that meant eating pizza and watching tv together.

As a new homeowner, Kent taught me how to put wood floors in my home. He spent weeks helping me lay subflooring and plane old, reclaimed tongue and groove to install. When I needed a kitchen table, but didn't know the best way to build one, I called Kent and he showed up to teach me how.

Whether fishing, hunting, driving, fixing or building something, Kent was there to help and he always answered when we called.

Kent was a creature of habit. His home was meticulous, everything had a place; every boot, hat, jacket and key. His belongings were well cared for and his shop was incredibly organized and ready for any project or task.

Kent worked with his hands as a carpenter, loved the labor of living off the land, and valued the life he built. He cherished memories with the people he loved, and kept these photos throughout his living room. Antiques passed down from his dad, and others that he collected throughout his life, decorated his living room as one of the most genuine bachelor pads I've ever seen.

Kent is loved by many and we will miss him in our lives. I hope he's having a good time reacquainting himself with the great friends and loved ones who passed before him.

I hate that I have to write your obituary Uncle Kent, but I'm honored and grateful to share who you are, and will always be, to us. Love you, "Fred".

Kent James Braun, 60, McCracken, KS died September 7, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. He was born on May 11, 1964.

Survivors include four siblings: Rick Braun of Texas, Bobbi Jo Braun of Kansas, Nicole Zeeman and husband, Richard of Indiana, and Jodi Braun of Colorado.

Seven nieces and nephews, Terri (Fred) Polifka, Dylon Braun, Daniel Braun, Taylor Huckins, Dalton Braun, Kristeny Davis, and Austin Martinez; a great-niece; Paige Denson-Polifka and three great-nephews; Leighton Braun, Benton Braun, and Hayes Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert J. Braun and Benita A. Braun, and a brother Larry Braun.