Tyson Jon Dent

Tyson Jon Dent known for his kindness, sweetness, and vast knowledge of history, math, and puns. He left us way too soon on July 1, 2024.  He was born in Redlands, California on September 15, 2000.  He lived most of his life in Lawrence, Kansas and graduated as a National Merit Scholar from Free State High School.  He scored a 34 on his ACT (99th percentile).  He would joke that he missed one question on the math portion of the exam, but that the question was wrong, not his answer.  He was passionate about robotics class.  He received the Merit based scholarship from University of Kansas, the highest scholarship awarded by the school.  He loved history and that was his initial major.  He then switched his major to Computer Science.  His love of history and geography made it nearly impossible to beat him in Trivia games.  He played chess, was a voracious reader, and loved Broadway Musicals.  He was a music fan, especially liking the Beatles, 80’s music, and frequently wore a My Chemical Romance music shirt. 

Friends and family would frequently talk about Tyson’s love of making great puns.  A trait he inherited from his mom.  He is survived by his beloved mom Marissa Clark, his loving father figure John Clark, his siblings Trevor, Trinity, Jake, and Kayla.  He is also survived by his Grandmother Jean Riffe.  He loved his two cats, Sasha and Sable. 

He established many friends after moving to Kansas City and attending UMKC.  Ruby, Wheeler, Lauren, and Charles were especially close friends. 

Watership Down was a book that Ty loved.  His mom and he read it many times until the pages were literally falling apart.  The last page read

 “You’ve been feeling tired,” said the stranger, “but I can do something about that.  I’ve come to ask whether you’d care to join my Owsla (a group of strong or clever rabbits) .  We shall be glad to have you and you’ll enjoy it.  If you’re ready, we might go along now”.  It seemed to Hazel (the protagonist) that he would not be needing his body anymore, so he left it lying on the edge of the ditch, but stopped for a moment to watch his rabbits and try to get used to the extraordinary feeling that strength and speed were flowing inexhaustible out of him into their sleek young bodies and healthy senses… Hazel followed; and together they slipped away, running easily  down through the wood, where the first primroses were beginning to bloom.

Ty mentioned he was tired.  He was tired of dealing with frequent bad, negative thoughts.  He fought hard against these feelings for many years.  He tried everything possible through multiple different avenues.  We loved him for who he was… a passionate, caring, giving, and kind person.  We deeply love him.  We will miss him.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.  

https://donate.bbrfoundation.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1

17 Condolences

  1. a friend on July 6, 2024 at 11:47 am

    ❤️



  2. Lyse Wells McKenna on July 6, 2024 at 1:47 pm

    I am heartbroken at the loss of such a cherished friend. Tyson’s humor, wit, depth of insight, bright smile, and twinkling eyes will be missed. I am grateful to have known him. ♥️



  3. Jaelyn on July 6, 2024 at 3:48 pm

    thank you sm for making my childhood such a better one:) i will always remember when u would give me piggy back rides everywhere, and let me hang on ur back while we would swim in the pool. u were so goofy and would light up the room u would walk into. i will forever love and miss you ty❤️



  4. Braden on July 6, 2024 at 4:08 pm

    Your kind and loving spirit along with summers we spent together at grandmas will live in my memories forever ❤️❤️
    I know your both at peace in heaven together.



  5. Retta on July 6, 2024 at 5:27 pm

    Tyson you were such a sweet soul and you had such handsome looks & your smile was so genuine & every one who knew you loved you. Sweet dreams in heaven, you will be missed.



  6. Bonnie Kelly on July 6, 2024 at 6:12 pm

    I’m Jennifer Chester’s Mom. We’ve met a couple times. Please know my heart is with you. A saying that has given me comfort,”When the lamp of life goes out, it doesn’t bring darkness. The lamp goes out because the dawn has come.” We see your son standing strong in new light on his journey. Grief is hard, but it is unending love. Hugs and caring sent your way.



  7. Leah Frazer on July 8, 2024 at 2:03 pm

    Marissa, my friend, my heart is breaking for you and your family. Sending you lots of love.



  8. William Dent on July 9, 2024 at 10:44 am

    https://youtu.be/WfUkEgG5rEk?si=YEyKLjfySae9yr_A

    Son, I LOVE you,

    You are not a problem,
    You are not a mistake,
    Don’t need fixing or solving,
    …Perfectly human…Perfectly LOVED…

    -Dad



  9. Lisa DeVoss on July 9, 2024 at 4:17 pm

    Oh my sweet Nephew Ty 💔 you will be missed by so many. I understand you were tired Sweetheart 😔 I know your Cuz Miah is with you now looking after you ❤ along with your Gma & Gpa ❤
    My Condolences to your Mom, Trevor, Trinity and all who Loved You! ❤



  10. Kelly on July 11, 2024 at 1:20 pm

    Sadly I never met Tyson. I wish I had. I happened across his story while looking for someone’s obit. His photo compelled me to pause & then panic, someone has lost their child. Just the thought of losing a child is difficult to imagine. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for Tyson and all our young ones that are tired. May the Good Lord hold you close all the days of your life … until you are once again reunited with Tyson. Rest in peace young man.



  11. Therese Edgecomb on July 13, 2024 at 8:02 am

    Tyson was one of the brightest, funniest, most vibrant humans you could ever know. So stinking smart, and clearly so well-loved by his family. Sending all our love and prayers.
    ~The Edgecomb Family



  12. Carolyn Edgecomb on July 13, 2024 at 8:05 am

    I didn’t know Tyson, but he was a friend and classmate of my grandson. Just reading what has been written about him he seems like a special kind young man.
    So sorry he left his family and friends so soon. May he rest in peace.



  13. Tony and Tara Clark on July 22, 2024 at 12:13 pm

    We are so heartbroken for your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.



  14. Ryan & Amy Clark on July 22, 2024 at 3:50 pm

    What a beautiful, loving tribute to Tyson. We wish you comfort in the memories you shared and peace as you navigate this trying time. Our hearts are with you.



  15. Roya Zolfaghar on August 12, 2024 at 10:33 pm

    Dear Marissa, I’m deeply sorry for your loss! There are no words that can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss! Please know that you are not alone during this difficult time. Holding u close in my thoughts and hoping you find the strength to go thru this tough time. May he rest in peace.



  16. Laura VanSickle-Deavours on September 3, 2024 at 3:54 pm

    I loved having Tyson participate regularly with his friend Chase in children’s activities at Vintage many years ago. I was the leader of the children’s activities there at the time and appreciated Tyson’s engagement in whatever we were doing, his friendship with Chase, and his bright smile. I am so sorry and sad to hear of his untimely death. I am praying for your family.



  17. Eliden Heffernan on September 7, 2024 at 10:25 am

    Tyson was a wonderful friend at West Middle School. Even at Free State I’d see him around and try to talk to him a few times. He was funny, energetic, and quick witted. Always had a response for whatever joke you threw his way.

    My deepest condolences to the Dent family, may he rest in peace.



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