Kent Tallent

Robert Kent Tallent, age 73, of Dardanelle, Arkansas, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Kent was born May 28, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Norman and Lillie Tallent. He attended Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, Tennessee, and dedicated much of his life to serving others through his ministry, his faith, and his community. Kent was a member of Dardanelle Methodist Church, and his faith was an important part of the man he was. As a minister, he had the opportunity to touch countless lives, offering encouragement, friendship, and guidance to those around him. To generations of Dardanelle families, however, Kent was also known by another special title — “The Voice of the Sand Lizards.” His familiar voice became part of the tradition and spirit of Dardanelle athletics. Whether calling the action under the Friday night lights at a Sand Lizard football game or behind the microphone for Sand Lizard basketball, Kent brought his unmistakable voice, enthusiasm, and love for Dardanelle athletics to every game. Through the years, players, coaches, parents, students, and fans came to recognize his voice as part of the Sand Lizard experience. And when the Sand Lizards scored a touchdown or made a big play, everyone knew what might be coming — Kent’s unforgettable “OH MOMMA!” It became his signature call, one that could bring a smile to the crowd and add even more excitement to a special Sand Lizard moment. For those who spent Friday nights in the stands listening to Kent behind the microphone, “Oh Momma!” will forever bring back memories of big plays, touchdowns, cheering crowds, and Sand Lizard football. Kent’s love for Dardanelle and the Sand Lizards went far beyond simply announcing a game. From the football field to the basketball court, he celebrated the young people who represented their school and community, shared in their victories and disappointments, and helped make countless games and memories a little more special. His voice may now be silent, but the memories connected to it will live on in the hearts of generations of Sand Lizards. Kent was a sports fan through and through. Along with his love for the Sand Lizards, he was a devoted Missouri Tigers fan and a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Whether he was cheering on Mizzou, following the Cardinals, or behind the microphone supporting his beloved Sand Lizards, sports brought Kent great enjoyment and gave him another way to connect with family, friends, and the community he loved. Above everything else, Kent loved his family. He leaves behind a family who will remember not only the public voice so many people knew, but the father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend they loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Lillie Tallent; his wife, Anngela Kay Tallent; brother, Mark Tallent and his daughter-in-law, Brandi Tallent. 

Kent is survived by his children, Brandon and Tamala Tallent, Ashley Tallent and fiancé Travis Payne, and Joshua and Tarrah Tallent; his sister, Charolette Tallent; his brother, Keith and Alice Tallent ; six grandchildren; Charlesia Cooke, DeMaunte Youngblood, Jaia Youngblood, Bailey Dodge, Julian “JT” Tallent and Michael Payne; four great-grandchildren, Serenity Simmons, Iveigh Sparks, Everleigh Sparks and Elle Youngblood; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends; and two special friends, Paul Seay and Mark Thone. Kent leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, ministry, community, and Sand Lizard pride. For those fortunate enough to have known him, there will always be memories of his kindness, his service to others, his love of sports, and that unmistakable voice that became such a familiar part of Dardanelle. And whenever a Sand Lizard makes that next unforgettable play, there will surely be a few people in the stands who can still hear Kent’s voice saying: “OH MOMMA!” Once a Sand Lizard, always a Sand Lizard. 

Visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, 4:00P.M. to 6:00P.M. at Cornwell unreal Chapel in Dardanelle. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2:00P.M. at the Community Center in Dardanelle with Bro. Paul Seay officiating. Following cremation, Kent’s cremated remains will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Kay at Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle, Arkansas.