Clifford Kent Means, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 14, 2022, due to declining health from Parkinson’s. He was born September 12, 1938 in Trenton, MO., to Vaughn and Sarah (King) Means.
Kent grew up in Blue Springs and continued to live in the area as an adult. He was a Master Electrician, but his passion was music and he made his living for years as a professional musician. He played the vibraphone and trumpet with the Means/DeVan Trio playing several long-term engagements at the Hilton on Broadway and the Colony Steak House during the 1970’s. He went on to perform in the group SSSlick, and in later years played with other groups around Kansas City at various clubs. In his free time Kent enjoyed riding motorcycles and jamming with local musicians. He cherished spending time with his family and friends.
Kent is survived by his daughter, Erika Franke; grandson Chance Whittle, his wife Chelsea and their daughter Caroline; grandson Caysen Woods; sister, Melissa Welter and her husband Cyril; nephew, Dylan Welter; and niece, Mia VondenBenken. Kent is preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn and Sarah Means.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 6, followed by a memorial service at 11:00, at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108. Memories of Kent and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Kent was such a nice man. He was a neighbor of mine on 15th St and I would bring him treats on occasion. I always worried about him but I was fearful of overstepping my boundaries. When his van disappeared, I knew thugs probably weren’t good for him. The last real interaction I had with him was in September 2020 when I took him some cookies. I never saw him again after that. I wish I could have done more. He was always so nice.
Sorry, that should have said “things” not “thugs”.