Frank Sargent

Frank Lyman Sargent of Overland Park passed away on March 4, 2013. Frank was born August 9, 1922 in Vicksburg, MS to Harry B. and Hilah E. (White) Sargent. He attended elementary school in Durant, MS, and graduated from Carr Central High in Vicksburg at the age of 15. He attended Mississippi State University where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, and received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1943. He served as Sgt. Sargent in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946, including time in England and France as a member of the 349th Troop Carrier Group. In 1946 he worked for REA (Rural Electrification Administration) in Washington, D.C. where he met Margaret (Daisy) Holland. They were married on August 17, 1946. In 1947 they moved to Kansas City where he joined Black & Veatch Consulting Engineers. He continued to work there for forty years until retiring in 1987. Frank served as project engineer and report writer on many projects throughout the United States. He was active in the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, serving on several national technical committees, and as chairman of the Kansas City Section. He was a member of Missouri Society of Professional Engineers. Frank and Daisy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1996, and Daisy passed away on January 19, 1997. Frank and Daisy were both avid bridge players, and he continued to play after her death. It was at a bridge game that he met Betty Riordan, and on July 27, 1998 Frank and Betty were married. Betty passed away on November 29, 2007. Others preceding Frank in death were his parents, Harry and Hilah Sargent, his siblings Henry Sargent of New York, NY, Robert Sargent of Washington, DC, and Winifred Sanders of Columbus, MS. Frank was a devout member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church since 1958. He sang in the choir, was a lay reader and chalice bearer, and served several terms on the vestry. He was a delegate from St. Peter’s to diocesan conventions and he participated in several Cursillo weekends, both of which allowed him to meet and know many Episcopalians from outside his own parish. Frank liked to travel and he enjoyed family vacations to state and national parks which often included canoeing and tent camping. As a Boy Scout leader he went on many campouts and other expeditions including sessions at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was a long time member of the Carnival Dance Club, including a term as president. He followed sports and for many years had season tickets to the K.C. Royals. He enjoyed writing and was pleased when one of his poems, articles, or letters was published in a newspaper or magazine. He loved to read, especially biographies, and he hardly missed a day without working at least one crossword puzzle. Survivors are sons and spouses Stephen and Juliana Sargent, Overland Park, KS and David and Marilyn Sargent, Jenks, OK; daughters and spouses Sally and Bill Vander Lippe, Overland Park, KS, and Nancy and Frank Kaul, De Soto, KS. Grandchildren are Hunter (Kathy) and Parker Sargent, Melissa, Katie, and Sarah Sargent, Becky (Sean) Roberts, E.J., Karla, Hilah, and Emily Vander Lippe, and Philip and Erin Kaul. Other survivors include great grandson Colton Sargent, stepchildren, step grandchildren, and beloved friend, Maxine Black. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Overland Park Regional Medical Center for their dedicated and tender care during Frank’s final days. Memorial services will be held on Saturday April 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 100 E. Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, MO 64114-5412 with visitation immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.