Kent Paser

Kent Milton Paser was born in Oak Lawn, Illinois, the son of George and Melda Paser. He lived a full 83 years passing from this life to the next on Thursday, August 15th, 2019 at his home in Littleton, Colorado. With his passion for flight starting at a very young age, he built his first plane at the age of 5. His grandpa educated him in the ways of craftsman tools, which included carpentry, blacksmithing, and the knowledge of how things work. His mother and father kept a blossoming interest in music with a guitar, trumpet, and fiddle always left on top of the piano for eager, young fingers to play. Kent’s life was filled with great ideas of flight and music. He served in the United States Air Force Reserve working on P-51 Mustangs during the Korean War. He also played the Baritone horn in the Air Force Band. While attending college for Aeronautical Engineering, Kent also conducted his church choir at Oak Lawn Community Church at the age of 19 with the wonderful gift of being able to teach every voice. Through his family’s involvement in the church, he met his life time partner Sandra Ammerman who, at the age of 14, played the organ for the church. They worked together creating music and within two years Kent and Sandra were married and began walking together through this journey called life. After attaining his degree, Kent and Sandra moved to Littleton, Colorado in 1959 where Kent began his career with Martin Marietta as an Aerospace Engineer. While sending man into space with Skylab and helping to put man on the moon through the Apollo flights, he also created significant tools for space and star charts currently used in The International Space Station. Sharing his passion for flight with astronauts and rocket scientists and the like, Kent retired after 33 years from his distinguished career and continued to fly his Mustang II airplane. It took 3 years for Kent to build his Mustang II. Its maiden flight was in the winter of 1971 with the call numbers N5672. He became a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and a Charter Member and President of the local EAA Chapter 301. With his keen knowledge and expertise in Aviation History, Kent knew the performance and power specifications of every aircraft manufactured. He used his knowledge to convert his plane into a sleek and efficient racing machine that, to this very day, is discussed in flight circles around the world. Earning awards, such as in the Pazmany Efficiency Races, and being recognized for his excellent work in flight, Kent shared his creation and modifications in his book “Speed With Economy” published in 1994. Kent traveled around the country teaching seminars and sharing his book with hopes to help others achieve success with their flying machines. All the while enjoying and always keeping his music in the forefront of his mind. Kent loved music, especially Gospel, Bluegrass, and Symphonic Classics. While working on his plane and cars, and perfecting the art of gardening, he would clearly whistle the tune of the day. His family and friends will remember him as a loving, gentle soul, with a ready laugh. He was always primed to help and could make or repair almost anything. With a song in his heart and his passion for life we send him on with love, “N5672 you are cleared for take-off.” Kent is preceded in death by his parents, brother, George, sister, Patricia, and daughter, Kathleen. His wife, Sandra, and children Christine, Jefferey, and Jennifer as well as thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren survive him.