Clinton D. Sargent

Clinton D. “Shorty” Sargent

89, of Strickler, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2012. He was a patient at Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville. He was born August 24, 1922, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to Charles Washington and Iva Mulvinia Crawley-Sargent.

He was given the name Shorty by family members because he was the shortest of five sons. He lived in the Strickler community since childhood, where he completed the eighth grade in a one room school house. He then worked on the family farm until being drafted into the Army in 1942. He was trained in anti-aircraft gunnery, field artillery, Carbine rifles, and side arms. He trained other officers for these duties as well. He served in three armies, the 1st Army, 3rd Army, and the 9th Army. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Siegfried Line, Schwammennaeuel Dam, the Cologne Plain, the Remagen Bridge, and Ruhr Pocket. After the war ended in Europe, he remained in Germany for almost a year where he guarded the POW’s at Frankfurt. He was awarded three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the European African Middle East Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and two Overseas Bars. He earned the rank of Corporal.

After returning home, he continued farming and growing berries. In 1952, he married Phyllis Leach and together they raised cows and chickens, and sold milk. He worked for the Arkansas State Forestry Service for 23 years before retiring in 1980. After retirement he continued tending the cows, gardening, woodworking, rock work, making rose gardens, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a long time member of the Fall Creek Church where he served for many years as a Sunday school teacher, song leader, and Deacon.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Iva Sargent, one son, John Sargent, Sr., two brothers and six sisters, Clyde Sargent, Alma Caviness, Belle Prater, Louise Prater, Clarence Sargent, Lorraine Skelton, Maudileen McKee, and Dolly Kidd.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Leach Sargent; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim Sargent and his wife Betty of Strickler, Tom Sargent and his wife Debria of Camden, AR.; five grandchildren, John Sargent, Jr. and his wife Sarah of Strickler, Jason Sargent and his wife Donna of Owensboro, Kentucky, Cari Burnett and her husband Mark of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Libby Wagner and her husband Wyatt of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Russall Sargent of Camden, Arkansas.; nine great-grandchildren, Sierra Hinkle, John Sargent, Dale Sargent, Mathew Sargent, Calloway Burnett, Wyndon Wagner, Damian Springsted, Chrystal Springsted, and Wayne Springsted; two brothers, Claude Sargent and Chester Sargent both of Prairie Grove, and one sister, Bonnie Anderson of Jacksonville, Arkansas.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.