Brenton H. “Brent” “Bink” Wadsworth, age 88, U.S. Air Force veteran, 1952-1954, a resident of Yorkville, and Tarpon Springs, Fla., died February 6, 2018 at his home. He was born March 11, 1929 in Buffalo, N.Y.
Beloved husband of Jean Wadsworth (nee Both), whom he married February 14, 1954, loving father of Stanley Wadsworth of Aurora, Leslie (Paul Loague) Wadsworth of Aurora, Martha (Mark Grimm) Wadsworth of Cornelius, N.C. and Eric (Traci) Wadsworth of Tampa, adored grandfather of Brenton and Tess Wadsworth, devoted son of the late Dr. Harold and Julia (nee Hamilton) Wadsworth, dear brother of Betty Jones of Joliet, and the late Stanley (Mary of Scottsdale, Ariz.) Wadsworth, fond brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many.
He grew up in Joliet and is a graduate of University of Illinois School of Landscape Architecture. He worked for Robert Bruce Harris, a mid-century golf course architectural firm. He then proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1954. He married Alice Jean Both, of La Grange in 1954.
In 1955 he started a golf course design firm, Packard and Wadsworth. Then in 1958 parted ways to establish Wadsworth Golf Construction Company for the purpose of constructing golf courses. The golf industry exploded and The Wadsworth Golf Construction Company built over 900 golf courses primarily in the United States with many receiving high accolades. He modestly achieved extensive recognition of his contributions to the game of golf.
Brent believed in providing the less fortunate people an opportunity for enjoyment from the game of golf. Through his company, contributions are made to charities devoted to these endeavors. In particular, the disadvantaged, disabled, families and youth are targeted recipients. To further those goals, he established the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation in 1997 along with his wife and children. The Foundation, through the years, sought to make the character building attributes of golf accessible to more people by making gifts and grants to many organizations throughout the entire country that supported the Foundation’s mission of self improvement, which in turn could benefit society to become a more honorable, gentler and friendlier place.
Aurora University awarded Brent with a Doctorate of Humanities in 2008 and he received a Doctorate of Humanities in 2013 from Lewis University.
The enrichment from several church affiliations was paramount in Brent’s daily life and his marriage of 63 years. He loved life and had a unique zeal when interfacing with people whether it was childhood friends, neighbors, employees, church members, customers or locals. He was devoted to his fraternity and friends from college throughout his life. Recreation was always close to nature as he was amazed at the incredible beauty enveloped across the country.
Brenton’s amazing life was one of genuine hard work, resourcefulness, great accomplishment, unprecedented generosity, eternal modesty and unwavering kindness. All apparent in his unforgettable smile. It is hard to believe that he started with nothing and gave as each success afforded him to do so. As a special friend acutely acknowledged at his 60th birthday “You would never hear a word of this from Brent as Brent’s life was heaven sent.”
Visitation Saturday, February 10, 3-5 p.m. at Overman-Jones Funeral Home, 15219 S. Joliet Road (Corner of Rts. 30 & 59), Plainfield.
Additional Visitation Sunday, February 11, 2-3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2505 Boomer Lane, Yorkville, IL 60560. (630) 553-7645.
Funeral Services will follow Sunday, 3p.m. at the church with Rev. Michael Stoner officiating.
Private Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Bristol, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brent’s memory can be made to the: Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation.
The Foundation is dedicated to improving society through the embodiment of the moral, ethical and cultural codes of the game of golf.
Checks may be made to Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, 13941 Van Dyke Road, Plainfield, IL 60544, (815) 436-8400 or please visit www.wadsworthgolffoundation.org/donation.php
For more information, please call (815) 436 – 9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com.
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Obituary: Brenton H. “Brent”“Bink” Wadsworth
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