KENT WAYNE HOLDEN, 89, of Lancaster and formerly of Groveton and Whitefield, died peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Country-Village Genesis Elder Care Center in Lancaster after a lengthy illness.

Kent was born on July 18, 1936, in Lancaster, NH, a son of the late Horace and Annie (Freeman) Holden. He was a graduate of Groveton High School, class of 1955, and was a member of the Alumni Association.

Kent was a US Veteran. He enlisted in the US Coast Guard and was Honorably Discharged after 9 years of service, during which he guarded the waters around Bermuda, Cuba, Alaska, and Newfoundland. He earned the Good Conduct medal and later received the Vietnam Medal when he received his Quilt of Valor from the American Legion Auxiliary.

While living in Keene, NH, he was a real estate agent. After moving to Ogdensburg, NY, he started buying, renting, and selling houses to low-income families to give them a good start. Before enlisting in the Coast Guard, he worked on his father's farm in Groveton, and he owned and operated his own farm in Ogdensburg, NY, for several years, returning to New Hampshire in 2012 to be closer to his sisters.

Kent is survived by his three children, Joshua Holden of Ogdensburg, NY, Kristen Bunce of Ogdensburg, NY, and Andrew Holden of Littleton, NH; three grandchildren; two sisters, Florence Berube and Sylvia Stone, both of Groveton; a special niece, Kathy Wiles, and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by one son, Clifford Holden, in 1999, and his wife of 56 years, Saran Holden, on March 2, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kent's name to the American Legion Post #17, 206 State St., Groveton, NH 03582.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton. Funeral service will follow immediately after at the funeral home at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Eungil Cho of the Groveton United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial with Military honors will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Northumberland Cemetery.