Ralph Kent Janes (77) of St. Elmo

Ralph Kent Janes, 77, of St. Elmo, passed away at his home on Friday, April 16, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of St. Elmo at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 with Pastor Daniel Laack officiating. Music will be provided by De La Croix of The Table. A walk through will be from 9-10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery in Toledo, IL. Memorials may be given to the St. Elmo Tree Committee, City of St. Elmo, 411 N. Main Street, St. Elmo, IL 62458. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here. 

Ralph Kent Janes was born in St. Elmo, Illinois to Lorena Marguerite (Titus) and Ralph Wilson Janes on December 30, 1943. He was a 1962 graduate of St. Elmo High School. He earned a master’s degree in industrial arts from Murray State University in 1969. He began his professional life teaching in both Illinois and Indiana before returning to St. Elmo. Back home in St. Elmo, Kent worked as a substitute teacher, for the City of St. Elmo, and for both The Banner and The Devonian papers. He was a newsman at heart and loved to document all things – especially sports - with words and photographs. “El Kento” - as he was often called by those who knew him best – enjoyed being in front of a computer and behind a camera. He will surely be remembered for the thousands of photos he shared with the families of those he photographed at countless high school sporting and community events over thirty-five years. In 2018, he received the Tom Bryant Memorial Friends of the Game Award from the South Central Basketball Officials Association. He loved his community and was active in it. Kent was honored to be named St. Elmo Citizen of the Year in 2016. He was a member of the St. Elmo Historical Society and of the First United Methodist Church of St. Elmo. Kent was proudly named secretary of the St. Elmo Business Association.

“El Kento” leaves behind one aunt, Miriam Carlen of Greenup, Illinois, three nieces, two nephews, six great-nieces and four great-nephews, many beloved cousins and very dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marguerite Janes; brothers Randall Kaye Janes and Doyt Alan Janes; sister, Janice Janes Moore; and one niece, Michelle Janes Songe.

The family of Kent Janes wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Pagel Funeral Homes and the dear friends who have provided much help and support.