For Bob Sargeant, Life’s Successes Were Founded in Humble Origins

Each day, the strength of the United States is represented by the substance and character of many men and women who we know. These individuals, who don’t seek adulation or special attention, contribute to their communities and become part of the woven fabric of our great nation. 

Last week, local resident Robert (“Bob”) Sargeant passed away. Bob was a member of what Tom Brokaw referred to as the “Greatest Generation” of our times. 

The words most often used to describe Bob were: “kind,” “compassionate,” “caring,” (and of course) “patriotic.”

In 1961, on the bitter cold Inauguration morning, from the steps of the Capitol Building, President John F. Kennedy spoke to Bob’s generation and to the world. 

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

President Kennedy was speaking about the men and women who served in World War II, such as Bob Sargeant (and my own father, who was born in 1921). Although Bob was only seven years younger than the President, his childhood couldn’t have been more different. Yet, Kennedy’s words resonated with Bob and his generation, who after World War II helped build a great and vibrant economy, providing the next generation with a strong middle class.

Bob relayed to me his experiences crossing the Atlantic and his entry into the European Theater of combat through the end of the war.

Prior to his deployment overseas, Bob married the love of his life, Thelma. Back in Ohio, Thelma worked on the war effort until Bob’s return in April 1946. Even though Bob would have loved to return to farming, the equipment had become unavailable. Instead, he found work in a factory that manufactured automobile parts and discovered that he was well suited to toolmaking. After a few years of a strict savings plan (and with Thelma’s encouragement) the Sargeants began their own business.

Bob’s early experiences on the farm provided him with a strong work ethic in his adult years. In a short amount of time, Bob, Thelma and Bob’s brother expanded their business to 13 companies, added an additional partner, and grew to over three million square feet of manufacturing. Their combined creativity and hard work became a great American success story.

Despite great success, Bob never forgot where he came from. Both he and Thelma were gracious and kind. Their community involvement in both Sidney, Ohio and Marco Island helped to nurture and build the two communities.

Bob and Thelma supported the YMCA, the Civil Air Patrol, the Marco Island Historical Society and a number of veterans’ organizations. They were major donors to the Marco Island Veterans Memorial and Freedom Fountain.

Thelma served as Bob’s Guide/Guardian on an Honor Flight, which enabled them to share the experience visiting Washington D.C. and the various memorials with men and women of their generation.

Back in Ohio, the Sargeants endowed a scholarship fund for a rural school to support students wishing to continue their education. They helped to build an animal shelter in Sidney and supported the Marco Island organization, “For the Love of Cats.”

In addition to his generosity to the Marco Island community, Bob was also involved in many civic organizations in Sidney, Ohio. He was recognized by his hometown for his many accomplishments. His friends in Sidney will miss Bob’s annual pilgrimage there with his prized mangos grown on Marco.

Bob will be missed for his skills at the card table, as well. Bob introduced his Marco Island friends to the Midwest’s favorite card game, Euchre.

Bob and Thelma were special people who left the world a better place by their generosity, love and patriotism. Our sincerest thanks to the Sargeant family for the privilege of their friendship. 

Each day, the strength of the United States is represented by the substance and character of many men and women who we know. These individuals, who don’t seek adulation or special attention, contribute to their communities and become part of the woven fabric of our great nation. 

Last week, local resident Robert (“Bob”) Sargeant passed away. Bob was a member of what Tom Brokaw referred to as the “Greatest Generation” of our times. 

The words most often used to describe Bob were: “kind,” “compassionate,” “caring,” (and of course) “patriotic.”

In 1961, on the bitter cold Inauguration morning, from the steps of the Capitol Building, President John F. Kennedy spoke to Bob’s generation and to the world. 

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

President Kennedy was speaking about the men and women who served in World War II, such as Bob Sargeant (and my own father, who was born in 1921). Although Bob was only seven years younger than the President, his childhood couldn’t have been more different. Yet, Kennedy’s words resonated with Bob and his generation, who after World War II helped build a great and vibrant economy, providing the next generation with a strong middle class.

Bob relayed to me his experiences crossing the Atlantic and his entry into the European Theater of combat through the end of the war.

Prior to his deployment overseas, Bob married the love of his life, Thelma. Back in Ohio, Thelma worked on the war effort until Bob’s return in April 1946. Even though Bob would have loved to return to farming, the equipment had become unavailable. Instead, he found work in a factory that manufactured automobile parts and discovered that he was well suited to toolmaking. After a few years of a strict savings plan (and with Thelma’s encouragement) the Sargeants began their own business.

Bob’s early experiences on the farm provided him with a strong work ethic in his adult years. In a short amount of time, Bob, Thelma and Bob’s brother expanded their business to 13 companies, added an additional partner, and grew to over three million square feet of manufacturing. Their combined creativity and hard work became a great American success story.

Despite great success, Bob never forgot where he came from. Both he and Thelma were gracious and kind. Their community involvement in both Sidney, Ohio and Marco Island helped to nurture and build the two communities.

Bob and Thelma supported the YMCA, the Civil Air Patrol, the Marco Island Historical Society and a number of veterans’ organizations. They were major donors to the Marco Island Veterans Memorial and Freedom Fountain.

Thelma served as Bob’s Guide/Guardian on an Honor Flight, which enabled them to share the experience visiting Washington D.C. and the various memorials with men and women of their generation.

Back in Ohio, the Sargeants endowed a scholarship fund for a rural school to support students wishing to continue their education. They helped to build an animal shelter in Sidney and supported the Marco Island organization, “For the Love of Cats.”

In addition to his generosity to the Marco Island community, Bob was also involved in many civic organizations in Sidney, Ohio. He was recognized by his hometown for his many accomplishments. His friends in Sidney will miss Bob’s annual pilgrimage there with his prized mangos grown on Marco.

Bob will be missed for his skills at the card table, as well. Bob introduced his Marco Island friends to the Midwest’s favorite card game, Euchre.

Bob and Thelma were special people who left the world a better place by their generosity, love and patriotism. Our sincerest thanks to the Sargeant family for the privilege of their friendship.