Gilbert Sargent, Jr.

GILBERT "SARGE" SARGENT, JR.

Gilbert Sargent, Jr., age 81, of Unionville, MO, died Friday, May 15, 2009, in the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO.

He was born October 3, 1927 in Keokuk, IA, a son of Gilbert and Ethelyn Mathes Sargent.

Gilbert graduated from Kahoka High School and was an alumni of Hannibal-LaGrange College and Northeast Mo. State Teachers College receiving Masters in Education. He taught and coached in schools in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri for over 50 years, retiring from Cardinal Stritch in Keokuk and since then had been a substitute teacher at Green City, MO until 2007. During his teaching career he had also served as Superintendent, Principal and Counselor. He was known as "Coach" by many for years. He was also a wonderful story teller who shared that talent and passion with others.

Gilbert married Constance Herwick Buck on July 13, 1991. For the past five years they had enjoyed living in different places with her job as traveling nurse.

Survivors include his wife, Constance, of Unionville, MO; three sons, John Sargent of Keokuk, IA, Tony Sargent and his family of Keokuk, IA and Daniel Raymond and family of Wayland, IA; five daughters: Michelle McLaughlin and family of Powersville, MO, Melissia Carter and family of Russiaville, IN, Babette Gilworth and family of Unionville, MO, Nora Wyatt and family of Indianapolis, IN, and, Lora York and family of Indianapolis, IN; twenty-four grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and their families; as well as other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Walker and her husband, Winston; two grandchildren; and, a nephew, Winston Walker, Jr.

Gilbert served his country in the U.S. Army and served others as a well-known and loved teacher and coach. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, attending auctions, antiquing and finding treasures at garage sales. He loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's sporting activities.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka, MO. Burial with military rites followed at Oakland-Sand Cemetery at Vincennes, IA.

Memorials were suggested to the family.