Obituary for William H. 'Bill' Sargent
We were blessed with one of life’s gentlest, kindest, most loving Dads. His love of the land, horses and cattle proved him one of the best “old cowboys” and stockman! Wherever Dad was, laughter was soon to follow.
The legacy of this gracious man started when William Henry Sargent was born September 25, 1929 in Big Timber, to Frank and Gudruda Sargent. Heaven opened its gates and welcomed Bill to paradise on November 14, 2016. He was 87 years young!
He had a joyous childhood he shared with his parents, his brothers, Bob, Jim, Gordon and sister, Helen. Their home was filled with laughter, childish pranks and love. Dad attended grade school by walking the short distance to Cherry Creek School. He then went to high school in the big town of Big Timber where he met many life-long friends.
He attended college at Montana State University for a short time, then chose to come home to the family ranch. It was during this time that he seemed to find a lot of fence to be repaired, close to the little one room school where he had met a beautiful school teacher, Phyllis Lowry. She decided Bill was meant for her and they were married on June 9, 1951.
A move to Wheeler Creek found Dad leasing a small ranch and during that chapter, they welcomed their first daughter, Diana and second daughter, Debby.
In 1956, they moved to a beautiful ranch nestled in the Crazy Mountains. Donna was the third child born into their family soon after they were settled on the Anchor Ranch. Dad worked for the wonderful Lloyd Rein family for the next 21 years, and Chuck became a second son to our family. The entire community felt blessed with the birth of Mom and Dad’s twins, Dale Jay and Darla Kay.
Many solid friendships were made and cherished in the Melville area. The church, square dances, 4-H club and card parties made this time in his life, one of the best!
Bill’s proudest achievement was moving back “home” to the family ranch in 1978, located on Simmons Creek. The legacy of the Sargent Ranch will be carried forward by his son and family.
Actively participating in many organizations including: Jaycees, he served many years as a 4-H leader and as President of the Council, he was later honored with a State 4-H Leader Award. His civic loyalties were earned and recognized by receiving some additional prestigious awards such as: Outstanding Jaycee Member, Honorary Chamber FFA Farmer and Outstanding Ranch Family chose by the local Chamber of Commerce. Most recently being selected as “Stockgrower of the Month”.
While his love of ranching and farming provided his life-long dream, there was no doubt his family was his most beloved treasure! He was married to the love of his life for over 50 years. Phyllis passed away in 2008. He cherished their five children more than words could ever express. His sons-in-laws and daughter-in-law were “the best” according to Dad. Bill had a special relationship with his brother-in-law, Johnny Lowry, who best described Bill as his “hero”.
The true joy of Bill’s life were his 13 grandchildren. Sharing stories of his times spent with them, whether working or playing, provided some of his fondest memories. These grandchildren provided him with 23 great grandchildren to whom he was known and loved as “Silly Papa”.
He now joins Phyllis, his parents, brothers Bob and Donald, son-in-law Ken and beloved grandson, Travis in paradise.
Missing him on earth are his family: Diana and Dan Plaggemeyer, Debby and Gary Arlian, Donna Laubach, Darla and Kevin Sedgwick and Dale and Martha Sargent. Each grandchild and great grandchild will always carry a very special place in their hearts for their grandfather.
The legacy of this gracious man started when William Henry Sargent was born September 25, 1929 in Big Timber, to Frank and Gudruda Sargent. Heaven opened its gates and welcomed Bill to paradise on November 14, 2016. He was 87 years young!
He had a joyous childhood he shared with his parents, his brothers, Bob, Jim, Gordon and sister, Helen. Their home was filled with laughter, childish pranks and love. Dad attended grade school by walking the short distance to Cherry Creek School. He then went to high school in the big town of Big Timber where he met many life-long friends.
He attended college at Montana State University for a short time, then chose to come home to the family ranch. It was during this time that he seemed to find a lot of fence to be repaired, close to the little one room school where he had met a beautiful school teacher, Phyllis Lowry. She decided Bill was meant for her and they were married on June 9, 1951.
A move to Wheeler Creek found Dad leasing a small ranch and during that chapter, they welcomed their first daughter, Diana and second daughter, Debby.
In 1956, they moved to a beautiful ranch nestled in the Crazy Mountains. Donna was the third child born into their family soon after they were settled on the Anchor Ranch. Dad worked for the wonderful Lloyd Rein family for the next 21 years, and Chuck became a second son to our family. The entire community felt blessed with the birth of Mom and Dad’s twins, Dale Jay and Darla Kay.
Many solid friendships were made and cherished in the Melville area. The church, square dances, 4-H club and card parties made this time in his life, one of the best!
Bill’s proudest achievement was moving back “home” to the family ranch in 1978, located on Simmons Creek. The legacy of the Sargent Ranch will be carried forward by his son and family.
Actively participating in many organizations including: Jaycees, he served many years as a 4-H leader and as President of the Council, he was later honored with a State 4-H Leader Award. His civic loyalties were earned and recognized by receiving some additional prestigious awards such as: Outstanding Jaycee Member, Honorary Chamber FFA Farmer and Outstanding Ranch Family chose by the local Chamber of Commerce. Most recently being selected as “Stockgrower of the Month”.
While his love of ranching and farming provided his life-long dream, there was no doubt his family was his most beloved treasure! He was married to the love of his life for over 50 years. Phyllis passed away in 2008. He cherished their five children more than words could ever express. His sons-in-laws and daughter-in-law were “the best” according to Dad. Bill had a special relationship with his brother-in-law, Johnny Lowry, who best described Bill as his “hero”.
The true joy of Bill’s life were his 13 grandchildren. Sharing stories of his times spent with them, whether working or playing, provided some of his fondest memories. These grandchildren provided him with 23 great grandchildren to whom he was known and loved as “Silly Papa”.
He now joins Phyllis, his parents, brothers Bob and Donald, son-in-law Ken and beloved grandson, Travis in paradise.
Missing him on earth are his family: Diana and Dan Plaggemeyer, Debby and Gary Arlian, Donna Laubach, Darla and Kevin Sedgwick and Dale and Martha Sargent. Each grandchild and great grandchild will always carry a very special place in their hearts for their grandfather.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Sunday
20
Nov
3:00 PM
- 9:00 PM
Stenberg Funeral Home
215 Anderson Street
PO Box 723
Big Timber, MT 59011
Celebration of Life
Sunday
20
Nov
7:00 PM
- 9:00 PM
Big Timber Lutheran Church
115 West 4th Avenue
PO Box 278
Big Timber, MT 59011
Funeral Service
Monday
21
Nov
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Big Timber Lutheran Church
115 West 4th Avenue
PO Box 278
Big Timber, MT 59011
Reception to follow graveside services upstairs at American Legion Post #19
Cemetery Details
Location
Mountain View Cemetery
West of Big Timber
Big Timber, MT 59011
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