Kurt E. Rent

Kurt Erwin Rent was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 15, 1960, the second of six children, to Charles Rent, Sr. and Juanita Rent (Baker). His siblings are Charles Rent, Jr., James (Jimmy) Rent, Bret Rent, Catherine (Cathy) Rent, and Todd Rent. He grew up in a loving family that held Christ at the center. He exchanged his earthly body to be present with the Lord on January 8, 2026.

Kurt attended grade school in Indianapolis at PS #37 and Arsenal Technical High School, majoring in auto mechanics and math. A dedicated student, he scored in the top 25% nationally on his SATs. In his youth, his hobbies were basketball, baseball, and billiards. He graduated June 6, 1978. With his parents and siblings, he attended 25th Street Baptist Church, establishing early on his love for and relationship with Christ. He was a member most of his childhood, meeting friends he would have throughout his life.

After high school, Kurt applied to Amtrak stating he was, “…looking for employment with a future.” He was then hired as a machinist helper in 1979. Within two years, he was admitted into the machinist apprentice program, and completed that program on January 10, 1983, being promoted to machinist. Kurt had achieved his goal. While at Amtrak, he sought continued education whenever he could to be a better machinist, holding other positions as well. Kurt remained at Amtrak until he retired in 2020, diligently completing more than 40 years of service at Amtrak in his career. This is a work ethic inherited from his father, and one he passed on to his children.

Kurt became a member of Trinity Baptist Church (TBC) in the 1980s, and remained a member until his passing, almost 40 years. During his time there, he became the proud father of his first two children, Sequoia Rent and Kerwin Rent, whom he shared with his first wife, Sonia Rent (Jackson). Also, while at TBC, he served in a number of roles including youth ministry, trustee, Committed for Life ministry, finance committee, choir, praise of worship ministry, prayer breakfasts, mentor, repairman, and committed brother. He was obedient to where he was called, and was a trustee at TBC for more than 12 years. He displayed through his work service and church service and leadership that he was reliable and dedicated, tenets he taught to others.

Kurt held strong faith and values, which greatly influenced his daily life. He had respect for his church, his pastors, and a deep belief in God and prayer. He also exposed his children to Christ and the church early, ushering them toward openly and willingly accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior as children.

Kurt was blessed with his second daughter, Celina Johnson in the mid-nineties. She brought him great joy. Kurt later married Pamela (Pam) Rent (Jones) in 1999 at TBC, inheriting Melvin Robinson as his son. Together Pam and Kurt were devoted to church and

family and were mentors together in the TBC Committed for Life Ministry. They shared more than 26 years, and Pam remained by his side until his passing. Kurt was also a grandfather of three grandchildren, Keazia Farrow, Gabriel Rent, and Nuri Rent.

Kurt enjoyed doing for others. Whether it was the Kairos Prison Ministry, which he participated in for many years, being there for his family members, sharing his love of technology, video games, and modern vintage cars with others, or playing basketball at the Frederick Douglas Park and Community Center in Indianapolis, he was almost always ministering. He joyfully made cookies, breads, and foods and shared them openly. He always made something for family holidays, which were his happiest moments; when he was surrounded by family. One of his greatest prides and achievements was to provide for those closest to him.

Kurt loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and revered His Word. His favorite Scriptures were Ephesians 4:13, Psalms 118:24, Isaiah 40:31, which he wore on his wrist every day, and Psalms 23, which was the last Scripture he recited.

Kurt leaves to honor his life: his wife, Pamela Rent; his children, Sequoia Rent (Jennifer), Kerwin Rent (fiancé, Taylor), Celina Johnson, and Melvin Robinson; grandchildren Keazia Farrow, Gabriel Rent, and Nuri Rent; his former wife and mother of his first two children, Sonia Baker-McGuire; the mother of third child, Marcia Johnson; his siblings; and a host of extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family to him.

May his unwavering faith and generous spirit continue to inspire all who knew him.