D Kent Anderson

Darryl Kent Anderson of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on September 24, 2015. Kent was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on April 18, 1941 to Byrum Lavelle "Andy" Anderson and Doris Marie Goodman Anderson while the family was visiting relatives. They returned home to Houston where Kent was raised with his little sister, Karin. He excelled in school, graduating from The Kinkaid School in 1958 and from Rice University where he earned a B.A. in geology in 1962. Kent then completed his education at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, where he earned an MBA in 1964. He served his country in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1964-1970, receiving the American Spirit Honor Medal from the Citizens Committee for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Inc. in 1964. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Linda Lou Clarke, a romance that lasted 46 years and produced three beautiful children. He also had eight grandchildren. Kent and his family are longtime members of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Kent's career, which spanned over fifty years, was concentrated in banking and finance. He began at Underwood, Neuhaus & Co. where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions. He then joined Allied Bancshares in 1978 and, over a period of ten years, served as Executive Vice President, President, Chairman of the Board, and Director. He was extremely grateful for the mentorship of Gerald Smith during this time and for their friendship that continued almost 60 years. In 1988, Allied Bancshares merged with First Interstate Bank, with Kent serving at various times as Chairman of the Board, President and Director, and Chief Executive Officer of its Texas Operations. He left First Interstate in 1991 to serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Post Oak Bank, until its merger with Compass Bank in 1996. Following the merger, he was named Special Consultant to the Chairman. Kent also served as a Director and was a principal shareholder of First Bank with offices in Katy, Fairfield, Waller, Navasota, and Centerville. In 2001, he retired from banking to devote his time and energy to the Anderson Family Partnership. He managed a number of private companies and investments until health complications prevented him from continuing the work he so loved. Along with his frequent business partner in the bank investments and former Rice suitemate, Robert L. "Bob" Clarke, they ventured into other investments as diverse as radio stations, hammocks, water softener systems, real estate, accounts receivable management services, and pipelines, to name a few. As a friend, business partner, and brother-in-law, Bob's influence in Kent's life was significant and deeply appreciated. Kent's experience at Rice University was transformative. He was elected to the Rice Board of Trustees in 1986, had the privilege of serving for three decades, and was named one of two lifetime Trustees. Kent and Bob's joint passion and dedication to Rice is reflected in the construction of the Anderson-Clarke Center, the new home of the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. Kent was a visionary leader who was honored to serve on the Board of Directors of Houston Endowment for thirteen years, acting as Chairman of the Board from 2003- 2008. He also gave his time to many other boards: Texas Presbyterian Foundation; Children's Museum of Houston; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Houston Ballet; Houston Symphony; The Kinkaid School Alumni Board; and Duchesne Academy. His contributions have been recognized by the National Jewish Center for Immunology which awarded him the National Humanitarian Award in 1993. Kent was able to use his skills to benefit many other corporate and public organizations, serving on the Board or as an officer for Del Webb Corporation, Pulte Homes, Inc., Sam Houston Race Park. Ltd., Texas Association of Regional Bank Holding Companies, Texas Bankers Association, Central Houston, Inc., Greater Houston Partnership, Texas Chamber of Commerce, Texas Research League, and Friends of Memorial. Additionally, he served on the State of Texas High Speed Rail Authority and participated in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in 2005. One unique investment began as a dream: weekend retreats in the country with family. Always the businessman, Kent oversaw the cattle and miniature horse operations at Freedom Hill Farm, but watching the sunsets always gave him a special sense of peace and relaxation. He is predeceased by his parents, B. L. and Doris Anderson, and his sister-in-law, Jean T. "Puddin" Clarke. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Linda Clarke Anderson; his daughter, Whitney Anderson Walsh, her husband, Marc, and their three children, Sutton, Anderson, and Quinn; his daughter, Huntley Anderson Kubitza, her husband, Dan, and their three children, Parker, Caroline, and Kent; his son, Clarke Kent Anderson, his wife, Elle, and their two children, Ellison and Evans; his sister, Karin Anderson Selleck, and her husband, Loren; his brother-in-law, Robert L. Clarke, and his wife, Kathleen; his nephew, Logan Clarke, his wife, Jacqueline, and their daughter, Turner; and numerous Anderson, Collins, Gatewood, and Reid family members. Kent was a member of the Coronado Club (past President), Houston Country Club, Lakeside Country Club, The Houston Club, Old Baldy Club of Saratoga, WY, and Beach and Tennis Club of Carmel, CA.