HOWARD KENT PUTNAM

1954-2017

Howard Kent Putnam, beloved father, son, brother, and friend passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 3, 2017, at the age of 63. Kent was born on April 24, 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Howard and Mary Jo Putnam. He is survived by and will forever and lovingly be remembered by his daughter, Natalie Putnam; former wife and mother of Natalie, Angela Putnam; brother, Norman Ros Putnam; sister, Jo Putnam La Fonck; niece, Victoria La Fonck Evans; nephew, Daniel La Fonck; friend, Susan Jones; and beloved dogs, Missy and Jojo. He was preceded in death by his parents.

After living in several states across the South and Southwest, the Putnam family moved to Houston in 1968, where Kent graduated from Westbury Sr. High School and attended U of H. Soon after, he began his career in the automotive industry, where he gained a wealth of knowledge and made many lifelong friends. Later, Kent utilized his entrepreneurial skills and opened his own successful business, Wreck Check. His expertise, stellar reputation, and solid work ethic brought Wreck Check, the first company of its kind, to be a standard in the industry that many others attempted to duplicate. Wreck Check was the go-to company for numerous auto dealerships and insurance companies alike.

Kent had a great passion for cars, motorcycles, and NASCAR. He and his daughter, Natalie, attended many NASCAR events of which they shared unforgettable times. Natalie was always the twinkle in Kent’s eye. Kent will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Visitation and viewing will take place from 5-8pm Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Forest Park Westheimer. Funeral service will be conducted at 10am Sunday, September 10, 2017 in the chapel of Forest Park Westheimer, followed by a catered reception.

As Kent had a great love for Labrador Retrievers, those desiring may give donations in memory of Kent to the Houston SPCA at www. houstonspca.org. Go to “Search Our Site” and enter “Memorial”.