Jonathan “Kent” Hickman Remembered: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Son, Brother, and Friend Who Touched the Lives of All Who Knew Him—Jonathan Hickman, Beloved Son of Larry Hickman and Kari (Tim) Tarvin; Brother of Kayla (Lee) Klopfenstein, Krista (Ben) Carver, Kendra (Cody) Bryant, Garrett Hickman, and the Late Grant Hickman; Grandson of Jim Hickman, Sharon (David) Bradley, and Terry (Theresa) Hale; Great-Grandson of Viola Shepard; and Cherished Nephew, Cousin, and Friend—Passes Away at 22 Following a Courageous Battle with Sanfilippo Syndrome
Jonathan Hickman, affectionately known by family and friends as “Kent,” was born on April 14, 1996, in the close-knit town of Shelby, Ohio. He entered the world as a joyful spirit, a precious child whose smile would go on to light up the lives of countless people. On November 30, 2018, Kent passed away at the tender age of 22 after a valiant and prolonged battle with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare and terminal neurodegenerative disorder that cruelly affects children, slowly robbing them of their abilities over time. Despite the unrelenting nature of this disease, Kent’s life was anything but defined by it. Instead, he was known for his unshakable courage, his deep faith, and the boundless love he shared with everyone around him.
To know Kent was to witness resilience incarnate. Throughout his life, even as his physical body began to weaken, his spirit grew stronger. He communicated not only through words but through the expressive depth of his eyes, his laughter, and his enduring warmth. His presence was healing; he drew people in not by what he could do, but by who he was—pure, kind, compassionate, and radiating a peace that was deeply felt. His life, though brief in years, was rich in meaning and immeasurable in impact.
A Life Marked by Courage and Grace
Kent’s diagnosis of Sanfilippo Syndrome came early in his childhood—a moment that would alter the course of his life and that of his family. Sanfilippo Syndrome, also known as MPS III, is a genetic condition that results from the body’s inability to break down specific complex carbohydrates. Over time, this leads to severe neurological decline. For Kent and his loved ones, this diagnosis meant a future filled with difficult decisions, uncertain outcomes, and emotional turmoil. But instead of allowing the disease to cast a shadow over their family, they chose to meet it with hope, faith, and unity.
Kent’s family often refers to him as a teacher—not of academics or sports, but of life’s most profound lessons: how to love unconditionally, how to endure with dignity, how to find joy in the simplest moments, and how to hold tightly to faith even when the path is steep and uncertain. His mother, Kari, often spoke of the deep spiritual bond they shared, and how Kent’s presence helped her better understand the true essence of grace.
His father, Larry, remembered Kent’s quiet strength, noting how his son taught him more about fatherhood, love, and bravery than any experience ever could. His stepfather, Tim, was devoted to Kent, always there to support him with compassion and strength, seamlessly integrating into a blended family united by love for a special young man.
Cherished Memories and Family Bonds That Withstand Time
Kent’s life was deeply rooted in the strong bonds of family. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his parents, Larry Hickman and Kari (Tim) Tarvin. His siblings—Kayla (Lee) Klopfenstein, Krista (Ben) Carver, Kendra (Cody) Bryant, and Garrett Hickman—each shared a unique and beautiful connection with Kent. They remember him not just as a brother, but as a guiding light in their lives. Whether it was sitting beside him during quiet moments, singing with him, or holding his hand through hospital stays and tough days, the memories are sacred and enduring.
Kent was preceded in death by his older brother, Grant Hickman, whose passing was another deep loss for the family. Together again, Grant and Kent are remembered as inseparable souls who, though taken too soon, left the world better for having been in it.
He is also survived by a loving extended family: his paternal grandfather, Jim Hickman; his maternal grandparents, Sharon (David) Bradley and Terry (Theresa) Hale; and his great-grandmother, Viola Shepard. These generations wrapped Kent in a legacy of enduring love, teaching and learning from him in return. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends also carry his memory forward, inspired by the lessons he gave so freely—through his gaze, his joy, and his remarkable endurance.
Kent’s life was also deeply intertwined with his community. Friends, church members, and even strangers who came to know him through his story found themselves forever touched. He had a way of bringing people together—reminding everyone that life’s true richness comes not from achievement or accolades, but from presence, authenticity, and love.
A Memorial of Grace and Gratitude
On December 6, 2018, Core Community Church in Shelby, Ohio, became a place of sacred remembrance. Family, friends, caregivers, and members of the community gathered to celebrate Kent’s life. The memorial service, officiated by Pastor Ben Carver—Kent’s brother-in-law—was a moving tribute to a life that, while marked by suffering, overflowed with purpose and light.
The church was filled with stories, songs, and shared tears. Photographs of Kent over the years—his brilliant smile, his eyes filled with wonder, the warmth of family gatherings—were displayed as reminders of a life lived with intention and love. Pastor Carver spoke of Kent’s faith and the way his life called others into deeper connection, compassion, and spiritual reflection.
A graveside service was held the following day at Oakland Cemetery. The crisp December air could not dampen the warmth of those final goodbyes. Though the pain of parting was profound, there was also a sense of peace—knowing that Kent’s struggle was over and that he was now reunited with his beloved brother Grant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to the Palliative Care unit at Akron Children’s Hospital. Kent had received compassionate, skillful care there, and the family sought to honor the doctors, nurses, and therapists who stood by them through the darkest and most beautiful moments of Kent’s journey.
Understanding Sanfilippo Syndrome: A Family’s Advocacy
Kent’s legacy also includes raising awareness about Sanfilippo Syndrome. His family became passionate advocates, working to educate others about the disease that changed their lives. They participated in fundraisers, shared Kent’s story online and in local news, and became part of a growing community of Sanfilippo families united by love and loss.
Sanfilippo Syndrome is still a relatively unknown condition, often referred to as “childhood Alzheimer’s” because of its tragic progression. There is currently no cure. But families like the Hickmans continue to shine a light on the need for research, funding, and support. Kent’s life has become a beacon in this fight—not just a symbol of the disease’s cruelty, but a powerful representation of love’s capacity to transcend suffering.
Kent’s Enduring Legacy: Love that Never Ends
Though Kent’s physical presence is gone, his influence endures in every life he touched. His family continues to feel him in the quiet moments—in the way the sun filters through the trees, in the soft brush of wind, in the gentle laughter of children who remind them of him. His memory is honored daily through their kindness to others, their commitment to advocacy, and their unwavering faith.
His mother writes letters to him still, finding comfort in expressing her love and longing. His siblings speak his name often, ensuring that their children know about their extraordinary uncle. His father visits his resting place regularly, not out of obligation but from a profound need to be near the son who changed him forever.
To those who knew Kent, he was more than a young man with a rare disease. He was a light, a teacher, a testament to the sacredness of every human life. His legacy is woven into every conversation about hope in the face of despair, every act of care for a child with special needs, every family that chooses love over fear.
Final Words: A Spirit that Soars
Kent’s story is not just one of illness or loss—it is a love story. The love of parents who gave everything, of siblings who stood as protectors, of a community that rallied, and of a young man who gave more to the world than many do in a lifetime. His time on Earth may have been short, but his impact was immense.
As we remember Jonathan “Kent” Hickman, we remember the power of faith, the gift of family, and the miracle of a life lived in love. We carry him forward in our hearts, not as someone who was taken from us too soon, but as someone who gave us more than we ever imagined.
Rest in peace, dear Kent. Your story continues to guide, inspire, and transform.
