Frank Sergent (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Orville Franklin Sergent was born in Fillmore, California on November 22, 1940, to M. Gene Sergent and Jeannette Elizabeth Maier. He passed away on December 17, 2023. He enjoyed an adventurous childhood in California and making frequent trips back to Missouri. In 1951 the family moved to Halfway, Missouri. He graduated from Halfway High School in 1958 and then graduated from the University of Missouri. His first wife was Mary Josephine Gillum. To this union two children were born, Cindy Jo and David Anthony. After college he worked for the John Deere Company ultimately with the position of a territory manager. In 1968 he joined his brother in business in Sergent Brothers Equipment. Sadly, his wife, Mary died, and he then returned to college to obtain his teaching certifications so that his working hours would allow time to raise his two children.
Frank purchased land first owned by his great-great grandfather, Andrew Jackson Canaday. He restored the home originally built by his great grandfather and grandmother, Charles F. and Viola (Canaday) Sergent.
In 1981 he married Cay Vance and she and Kristal joined the family. In 1983, they began the adventure of raising twins: Jeannette Elizabeth and Jessie Marie. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage. Frank was an amazing father, always placing family above himself.
Frank worked as a math and science teacher for 26 years. He always hoped that he made a difference in the lives of students. He loved to repair items and use items that others discarded. He amassed a sizeable collection of stuff from cars to scrap iron. Perhaps his favorite activity was reading. As an avid reader he could read a book a day.
Frank was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents, his son, David and a sister, Rosa Shantz. Surviving him are his wife Cay and daughters: Cindy (Larry) Hopke, Kristal (Sean) Watson, Jeannette (Tim) Reeves and Jessie. Also surviving are grandchildren: Mary Hopke, Patrick (Micole) Hopke, Rebecca Hopke, Kendall Watson, Dylan Watson, Oliver Reeves and another on the way as well as great-grandson, Jackson Hopke. Siblings who survive are Raymond (Betty), Linda (Burnell) Crain, Gerald (Veva). Many beloved nieces and nephews also survive him. Not to forget, his dogs: Rose, Harry, and Bessie.
Services will be at Cantlon-Otterness-Viets Funeral Home in Buffalo on Friday, December 22 at 10:00 AM. Burial will be private. Suggested dress for the service is casual.
The family requests no flowers be sent. A memorial will be established to provide books for a library.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frank Sergent please visit our Sympathy Store.
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?