Marvin Kent Shull, known to his family and friends as Kent, was born July 21, 1960, in Sedalia, Missouri, the son of Marvin Emerson Shull and Patsy Lee (Hoos) Shull, who reside in Stover. He passed away on August 19, 2026, at University of Missouri Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer that lasted nearly three years. Though cancer ultimately won the battle, it never took away the spirit, humor, faith, and love for life that defined Kent.

Kent grew up in Longwood, Missouri, where he worked alongside his parents on the family farm until graduating from Northwest High School in 1978. After high school, he traveled to Texas to work in the oil fields. After the birth of his son, Kent and his family returned to Longwood, where he began his career as a semi-truck driver.

Driving a truck wasn't simply a job for Kent, it was his passion. He was exceptionally good at what he did, and he took great pride in his work. Of all the driving he did throughout his career, hauling heavy and oversized loads across the country brought him the greatest joy. He loved the open road, the challenge of the work, and the places it allowed him to see.

Kent was a Christian man who believed in God and placed his faith in Jesus. His faith was an important part of who he was and the foundation of the life he lived.

Those who knew Kent will remember his quick wit, his sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh. He loved to joke around and rarely missed an opportunity to give someone a hard time in good fun. He was a man who could make you laugh when you needed it most.

Kent also loved the outdoors and the solitude that came with it. He was happiest spending time in the woods, away from the noise of the world, with nature around him and a fire burning nearby. He found peace in those simple moments.

Another great passion of Kent's was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Riding became more than a hobby, it became something he shared with his family. His son, Jeremiah, rode alongside him on countless trips, with his wife, Kendra, riding along with him. Kent's daughter, Nicole, also shared that passion, riding behind her dad on several trips and eventually riding alongside him on a trip on her own motorcycle. The open road, the motorcycles, and the time spent together became a special part of their family.

One of the most meaningful memories came in 2026, when Kent was healthy enough to take a bucket-list motorcycle trip to the Tail of the Dragon with his son Jeremiah and Kendra. After nearly three years of battling cancer, being able to make that trip together was a gift that his family will treasure forever.

Kent lived life in his own way. He worked hard, traveled the country, rode his motorcycle, spent time in the woods, enjoyed a good laugh, loved his family, and held onto his faith. He didn't live a life designed to simply make it safely to the end. He lived it fully.

There is a quote that seems to capture Kent's life perfectly:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty well preserved piece. The intention should be to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, and shouting 'Wow, what a ride!!'"

And if anyone could say those words at the end of his journey, it was Kent.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind countless memories, miles of open road, stories that will be told for years to come, and a legacy of hard work, humor, independence, faith, and love for his family.

His ride may be over, but what a ride it was.

"Until we meet again."

In addition to his parents, Kent is survived by his two children, Jeremiah Shull and his wife Kendra of Lexington, Missouri and Nicole Polk of Otterville, Missouri; two grandsons, Jaxsen and Lennox; two sisters Kathy Haynes and her husband Dennis of Sturgeon, Missouri and Keri Busker of Warrensburg, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who he considered family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Jaylin Storm officiating. In keeping with his spirit, the family invites everyone to come as they are, dressed casually, or to proudly wear their favorite Harley-Davidson gear in his honor.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Missouri 65201.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.