Merrill Lee Sargent, 88 of Pacific Junction, IA entered into rest on Jan. 31, 2015 at his home in Pacific Junction. He was born on Oct. 8, 1926 in Omaha, NE to Lee & Cecil (Lee) Sargent. Merrill was raised near Pacific Junction and graduated from Pacific Junction High School in 1944. He faithfully served his country in the Army during WWII and later the Air Force Reserves. He graciously folded and presented the U.S. flag to hundreds of family members of lost comrades.
He was united in marriage to Elva Chamberlain on Jan. 31, 1952 in Topeka, KS. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Dale and Ron. Merrill was a devoted family man and enjoyed farming and served many decades as a drainage district trustee on the Missouri River, Pony Creek, and Mickelwait Districts. He loved being a pilot and was a longtime member of the Quiet Birdman Flying Club, Tabor V.F.W. Post 7064, American Legion Post 141 and Pacific Junction United Methodist Church. Driving the military jeeps in numerous parades was an honor for him. Each year, Merrill and Elva looked forward to going on a cruise with their entire family. These vacations provided many fond memories. His generosity, sensitivity and kindness toward others was well known throughout the community.
Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Darrell & wife Carol Sargent. Survivors include his wife Elva Sargent of Pacific Junction, IA; sons Dale and wife Pam Sargent of Pacific Junction, IA; Ron and wife Pam Sargent of Pacific Junction, IA; grandsons Matthew and wife Laura Sargent and their daughter Kate of Glenwood, IA; Daniel and wife Kimber Sargent of Glenwood, IA; sister-in-law Naomi Christensen of Council Bluffs, IA; brother-in-law Lyle Houts of Rockport, MO; nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.
Memorials may be made to the Tabor V.F.W. Post 7064, American Legion Post 141 or Pacific Junction United Methodist Church.
Interment and Military Rites will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery following the funeral service.
Visitation:Wednesday, February 4, 2015
6:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
Service:Thursday, February 5, 2015
10:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
18 Condolences
So sorry for your loss. I got such a kick out of Merrill when he would come to Fremont County for the pesticide training. He will be missed.
Our prayers are with the family. Merrill will be missed by many; and he was such a good worker for all of us in the VFW.
I will miss seeing Merrill come into the office on the drainage districts. We would always visit about different topics from events happening in the world, to war stories and about his jeep. I will miss seeing him in the parade proudly behind the wheel of that jeep. He was truly a very special man. And he will be deeply missed.
Your Dad was a good friend of my parents (Ed &Betty Sell) he would stop by the courthouse to check in with me to see how they were doing. He was always sincere and always had a good story or two. I will miss our visits. God Bless. Gary and Jill Ford
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Merrill was such a wonderful man! I enjoyed our chats when he would come into the office. He always had a smile on his face, a joke to share and compliments to leave me smiling! Cherish those memories and know he is watching done over you all. You are truly blessed that you had him in your lives as long as you did. I will be praying for your strength during this difficult time.
My wife Georgia and I concidered Merrill a good friend. We always enjoyed our conversations with him. We will miss him. I am a life time member of the Tabor VFW and I know Merrill loved his involement with this Post. He will be missed dearly by the Tabor VFW. He was one of the last WWII Members.
Merrill was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. He was truly one of a kind. Quick with a smile and a compliment and a heart of gold. He was always so proud of his family, his country and the Tabor VFW. He had a profound impact on my life and I feel so blessed to have known him. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Our parents were close through the years. I will miss your Dad more than any words can say! Please know thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time! Heaven has gained another great soul! Hugs!
Alisa Simmons
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.
PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.
Dale and Ron, Thinking of you at this time of your loss. I’ll always think of you and your family fondly from our few years we lived down the road in Pacific Jct. Steve and I appreciated your kindness, help, and humor.
Dale and Pam and Family,
We are so sorry. You all will be in our prayers. May God comfort you all now and of the days ahead and give you all the strengths during this difficult time.
Elva,
So sorry to hear of Merrill’s death. I have many wonderful memories of you and he throughout my life. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sure Agnes has her hands full with Merrill and Lyndol back together again in heaven. Love you, Sheryl
So long old friend
Gone but not forgotten
Fair skys and God Bless
We’ll always remember Merrill every time we hear a plane above our place, He knew we liked watching him fly over so he always looked for us and would wave his wings back at us. When we would talk I always learned something knew about how the river use too. Merrill will be missed but never forgotten! He has his Wings forever now and will always be looking over us!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Elva and family at this difficult time. Our parents, Chet and Mary Forney were very close. Dad and Merrill were especially close, as comrades in the Tabor VFW for many years. Sincerely, Linda Forney Roof, Carla Forney Vanatta, Deborah Forney Shepherd, and Cyle Forney
Dale, Pam and Family: Words are hard to find at times like this. Know that your memories will provide you with comfort. You are all in my prayers.
I am so sorry, Merrill was a very nice and caring man, He will be missed.
We are so sorry to hear of Merrill’s passing. How we will miss this wonderful man!
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