Obituary of Frank R. Sargent
Frank R. Sargent, 91, of Woodloch Springs, formerly of Waymart passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday afternoon, November 13, 2022 at Wayne Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. His beloved wife of 27 years, the former Susan D. Roe survives him. They were married on November 4, 1995.
Born July 6, 1931 in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Elmer A. and Ruth W. (Noll) Sargent.
Frank was raised on the family farm in Waymart and graduated from Waymart High School in 1949. Following graduation, he married his first wife, the former Shirley Stanton. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. During his military service, he was proud to serve and excelled in the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Division. Following his honorable discharge, Frank returned to Waymart and began a carpentry apprenticeship. He soon purchased The Waymart Building Center and managed five successful building crews.
Frank went on to purchase The Waymart Water Company which was the springboard for an illustrious career in public utility water service. Under Frank's leadership, he went on to own Fawn Lake Forest Water Co., Woodledge Village and Hawley Water Co., Presque Isle Harbor Water Co., Western Utilities, Inc. and Woodloch Springs Water and Sewer Co. Frank's tremendous ability to lead and serve communities gained him the distinct honor to serve on People to People Exchange, an international council that travelled to Russia to help assist with water and sewer issues. In 1992, The Waymart Water Company was recognized as the Water System of the Year by the Pa. Rural Water Association. In 1996, Frank was recognized as Decision Maker of the Year by the PA Rural Water Association.
Always committed to the community, he served on several boards and organizations including President of the former St. Joseph's Hospital Board in Carbondale, The Waymart Planning Commission, Waymart Housing, Waymart Area Authority Board, and Wayne Woodlands Manor. Frank was a lifetime member and proud supporter of the NRA. He was an active member of the Waymart Lion's Club, and recently received a citation from State Representative Jonathan Fritz for Lifetime Achievement on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
Frank was an active member of the Bethany United Methodist Church and recently spearheaded efforts for the installation of the new Carillon Bell system in the church.
Frank loved to play golf and as with everything he did, he excelled at the game. He especially enjoyed a round of golf with his beloved wife Susan. He enjoyed the company of others and made many wonderful memories with friends in The Old Friends Golf group at Woodloch Springs and Naples, Florida. Frank and his guest won the Member/Guest Golf Championship at Woodloch Springs Golf and Country Club.
Frank was an avid snowmobiler and he along with friends and family enjoyed many trips within the US and Canada. He was able to tune a snowmobile to perfection and gained a reputation for doing so. He and his son Frank won many races including state championships and a world championship in the United States Snowmobile Association oval racing series. Mario Andretti heard of his reputation and challenged Frank to a race at Mario’s frozen pond. Frank won which tickled him to no end.
Frank loved hunting and was President of the Waymart Hunting Camp for over 50 years. After leaving the Waymart Hunting Camp Frank was thrilled to establish the Sargent Hunting Camp where he and Susan, along with family and friends loved wildlife management and all that came with it. This legacy fulfilled his dream of building a hunting paradise.
A dedicated family man, Frank was especially proud of his son, Frank Jr.
In addition to his wife Susan, Frank is survived by his son, Frank R. Sargent, Jr. (Mary Allen) of Waymart; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews. Frank considered his two Amigos; Guillermo Garcia-Amazcua and Jesus Garcia-Amazcua to be a part of his family and loved them as his own. Frank loved all of his former employees as family and they were all near and dear to his heart and he has always remained close to them.
Frank was also preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley (Stanton) Sargent in 1994; brothers and sisters Winifred Reinhardt (Warren), Harold Sargent (Jean), Grace Keller (Ben), and Jean Sargent.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of the Main Lodge at Ladore Lodge and Conference Center, 398 South Street, Waymart, PA 18472.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 21, 2022 from 4-7 PM in the Chapel of the Main Lodge at Ladore Lodge and Conference Center, and also on Tuesday from 10-11 A.M.
Interment with military honors will follow in The Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank's memory to the Salvation Army Ladore Lodge, PO Box G, Waymart, PA 18472.
Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA.