From a young age, Kent Harraid loved space - the stars, the moon, the sun, and beyond. He studied airplanes, space flight, and anything that flew - the faster the better.
A Star Wars guru, Kent lived Yoda’s famous line, “Do or do not…there is no try.” You see, Kent dreamed of being a pilot, but was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age five. Life became a whirlwind of research studies and treatments, as the family of four traveled from coast to coast and border to border. "Try” was not an option. He had to “do” in order to survive. Never one to back down from a challenge, Kent surpassed all odds and inspired everyone with his kind heart, tenacity, mental fortitude, and will to succeed. Kent encouraged others to trust in the Lord, find God’s Will for their lives, and never give up.
Among his many high school accomplishments, Kent proudly served as manager of the Athens Hornet Baseball team, won state competitions in Future Business Leaders of America, and was everyone’s buddy.
Kent graduated from Trinity Valley Community College with his Associate of Arts degree, where he displayed his talent on the stage in theater arts, sharpened his research skills in criminal justice, and enrolled in every history class he could take. During this time, Kent became a valued docent at the Historical Aviation Memorial Museum in Tyler, Texas, where his love of aviation, particularly veteran pilots, only grew. He respected their sacrifice to our great Nation and loved to listen to their stories of flight and fight.
In pursuit of his Bachelor’s degree in military history, majoring in World War II studies, Kent graduated from the American Military University (AMU). As a student there, it wasn’t long before the University contacted him to be one of their Ambassadors in promoting the university. His graduation class honored him with a standing ovation when he rolled across the stage for his well-deserved diploma in Washington, DC, as his family beamed with pride.
Upon graduation from AMU, Kent proudly accepted the offer of employment from Frontiers of Flight Museum as their database coordinator in the archive department. What an honor to be given this opportunity! Kent and his Mom made the 80-mile commute almost daily, making precious memories along the way. With his office overlooking the runways of the Dallas Love Field Airport and a voice-activated computer, Kent spearheaded a monthly e-newsletter, which he developed and produced for years. He also developed and implemented the ever-popular Star Wars Halloween and Honoring our Nation’s Heroes annual events. Kent represented the Museum as he and his family trailed the Museum’s teaching aircraft to air shows and STEM events throughout Texas. While working for the Frontiers of Flight Museum, Kent was nominated and selected as one of five finalists from a field of 69 candidates for Dallas’ “Good Works Under 40” award. Through work, he met people from fighter pilots to astronauts, with many becoming lifelong friends. Kent amassed a vast collection of personally-inscribed artifacts from his experiences and encounters, which he proudly displayed, and would tell their stories to anyone who would listen!
Even though in later years Kent’s voice became quieter, he still commanded a room with his knowledge and expertise in history, whether it be about the Battle for Air Supremacy in WWII or a Battle in the Bible. Kent brought history alive by telling the story of his two great-grandfathers, one who survived two gunshot wounds in the Battle of the Bulge and one who survived the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.
Kent’s hobbies included traveling to all 50 states with his family, running his RC boats on the lake, going to NASCAR races, and watching college football with his Dad. He enjoyed ice hockey and cheering on the Dallas Stars. Always in pursuit of dark skies in the RV with his Mom and Dad, Kent loved stargazing with his hands-free Stellina telescope.
Kent and his sister, Kammi, shared a love of aviation. As a flight attendant right out of college, Kammi flew combat troops to and from their much-deserved rest and recuperation trips aboard charter flights across the ocean during Operation Enduring Freedom. Kent tracked every flight as she crisscrossed around the globe, giving her pointers along the way. Kammi continues to be involved with aviation today.
Kent is survived by his parents Jeff and Kippi Harraid, sister Kammi Harraid, aunt and uncle Chelli and Don Warren, aunt and uncle Kim and Steve Page, aunt Sandi Harraid Pulley, Grandmother Addie Marie Harraid, numerous cousins, and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Leman and Evalena Hargrove, grandfather Travis Harraid, and uncle Gene Harraid.
Years ago, Kent began following Celestis and let his family know he really, really wanted to go to the moon - “do or do not, there is no try.” Now Kent’s dream will come to fruition with the Destiny Luna Flight scheduled for 2026. This gives “Fly Me to the Moon” a whole new meaning…
One of Kent’s favorite poems was the sonnet “High Flight,” written by a young World War II fighter pilot who lost his life at age 19.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
…
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew—
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.”
Because of Kent’s faith in Christ Jesus, he flew to his Heavenly home in 2024, put out his hand, and touched the face of God. “They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31
