Born May 13, 1935, in Detroit, Kent was the son of Orton and Lucille Cobb Simons (both teachers). He came to Princeton from Cooley High School, where he was class president and a great swimmer. Kent majored in the Woodrow Wilson School, and he was a member of Tiger Inn, the 21 Club, and the Right Wing Club. After graduate school at New York University, he worked for many years and became a partner at Neuberger Berman, investment managers. He was mentored by Roy Neuberger, co-founder of the firm and art patron, both in finance and art appreciation.
His many friends and relatives admired him for his cooking skills, his photographic works, his poker playing, and his conversational ability, honed by his travels with Princeton Journeys. As a philanthropist he established a needs-based scholarship for Detroit-area students, as well as the David T. Simons Fund for Energy and the Environment in honor of his deceased son.
Twice married, Kent had five children, four of whom survive, and 10 grandchildren.