Wilson Lavert Avent, III

Wilson “Boots” Lavert Avent III passed away, leaving behind a life marked by deep love, hard work, faith, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was born on April 25, 1951, in Amarillo, Texas, to Wilson Lavert Avent Jr. and Mildred Doretta Lowe Avent.

Boots spent nearly his entire life in Stinnett, Texas, a place that shaped him and to which he ultimately returned. His first paying job came at the age of 10, working for Dayton Barkley in Gruver. He often said he thought he’d never see another poor day after that. Later, he worked for Hal Medford of Stinnett and then went on to attend Panhandle State University, where he held a job with Gary Cobb. It was during this time that fate intervened, and he met Rene’ Marie Hendrix. Rene’ said, “He had too much to drink, and I was somewhere I shouldn’t have been. God works in mysterious ways.” They fell in love quickly and were married just 15 months later.

Together, Boots and Rene’ built a life rooted in love and hard work. They began their journey on the Perkins Prothro Ranch in Boise City, Oklahoma, where all three of their children were born. In 1984, the family moved to the Four Sixes Ranch near Panhandle, Texas. Their dream was simple: a little land to call their own. In 1988, they made that dream a reality when they paid cash for 320 acres just two and a half miles from Boots’ childhood home. Boots was always very proud that he was able to pay cash for a place like that on “cowboy wages”. There, Boots worked as a sales rep for ADM Alliance Nutrition, did day work, and welded—continuing to pour his heart and hands into everything he did. Just four months before his passing, he and Rene’ moved into town, settling back in Stinnett.

Boots was a man of deep faith and a lifelong member of the Stinnett Methodist Church, where he was dedicated, baptized, married, and now remembered. His church and his church family were a cornerstone of his life.

He had a love for the open road, especially with Rene’ by his side—on a motorcycle or in a convertible, traveling the country. “I don’t need a passport,” he’d say, “there’s plenty to see here.” He was a man of many passions: he loved—and hated—horses, cows, dogs, and kids. He cherished his time with motorcycles, guns, hot tubs, mountains, and beaches.

Boots loved the mountains. He and Rene’ spent a lot of time in the high country and eventually bought “a little piece of heaven” in Ute Park, New Mexico, nestled along the Cimarron River. The cabin became a special retreat—a place filled with peace, beauty, and countless memories made with friends and family.

Boots was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. To them, he wasn’t just a father or grandfather—he was a steadfast presence, a cheerleader, a guide. He was “Papoe” to Caden, his “pard”; Jenna, “Papoe’s precious darlin”; and Cutler, his “little buddy.” His daughter Jody said it best: “I have never known a dad that was more involved with his kids and grandkids. He gave me and my kids a life that people only dream of and memories that will never disappear.”

His greatest accomplishments were not only his long and loving 53-year marriage and his cherished family, but also the home he and Rene’ built together—both the physical land and the spiritual foundation they laid for their children and grandchildren.

Among the many life lessons Boots leaves behind, one stands out: “Sometimes we don’t know the difference in burdens and blessings in the moment. We thought having Wil was the heaviest burden God could give. It turns out Wil was one of God’s biggest blessings. The lesson: Trust God.”

Boots was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Lavert Avent Jr. and Mildred Lowe Avent; his beloved son, Wilson “Wil” Lavert Avent IV; and his sister, Cleta Coppock.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rene’ Hendrix Avent of Stinnett; his son, Wes Keenan Avent of Canadian; his daughter, Jody Lee Avent of Borger; his treasured grandchildren, Caden Wil Nolen, Jenna Lee Nolen, and Cutler Brad Nolen; and his sister, Anita Gray of Seymour.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Stinnett Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Stinnett Cemetery.

Following the services, the family warmly invites everyone back to the church for a meal and a time of fellowship. “Them Methodist women sure know how to cook.”

Boots’s service will be available for live viewing at mintonchatwell.com. A link will be provided as soon as it’s available.

Memorials can be made to the Stinnett Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1192, Stinnett, Texas, 79083

Family will be receiving friends and family any time at the home, 330 S. Wilhem in Stinnett.