Richard (Dick) Lee Sargent, age 80, of Springville, Indiana, passed away at home on January 22, 2026. Born in Vincennes, IN on March 6, 1945, he was one of six children born to Bonnie (Clark) and Darrell Sargent. A graduate of Vincennes High School, he enlisted in the Indiana National Guard, shortly after graduation.
He was best known for his quick wit and an endless collection of entertaining stories and jokes that could captivate his listeners for hours. A real raconteur (sometimes bullshitter), if you will.
Dick spent his life building a thriving business and a beautiful family. In August 1972, he married the woman he was smitten with and who became the love of his life, Faye (Hammer). For 52 years, they were a team in every sense of the word, raising four children and navigating life’s seasons side-by-side until the very end.
A fixture of the Odon community, Dick and his father established Sargent’s Sales and Service in 1978. The business was more than just a shop; it was a family-owned labor of love where Dick’s integrity and work ethic were on display for almost five decades. His in-depth knowledge of cars and racing (a pastime he acquired in high school), served him well in his success with Sargent’s. It was never uncommon for him to quickly diagnose any piece of equipment that came through the door, something he was known for.
When he wasn’t at the shop, Dick found his peace in the Indiana woods. He was an expert mushroom hunter, bird watcher, and enthusiastic arborist who could identify a tree simply by the leaves and/or bark (a skill he developed during his employment in the US Forest Service). His deep appreciation for nature was a gift he shared with those closest to him. He was also a lifelong IU Hoosier fan. A dedicated season ticket holder, he never missed a game (right up to the 2026 National Championship, days before he passed). Family was his greatest treasure though, and he cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and siblings.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Faye; his four children, Regan (Sargent-Borden), Christina, Michael, and Laura; his grandchildren, Andrew, Jasper, Cassandra, Hendrix, and Harold; and his siblings, Kaye (Lewman), Thomas, Pamela (Heinz), Cheryl (Lockwood), and JoEllen (Wagler).
A celebration of Dick’s life—and likely a few of his favorite stories—will be held at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on February 7, 2026, at Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon, IN. In honor of his love for the outdoors, the family suggests planting a tree in his memory or making a donation to Indiana State Parks or the National Park Service.
