David M. Sargent, Sr, (Dave), age 82 and longtime area resident, passed away January 17, 2024. He was born May 30, 1941, in Strickler, AR, to Clyde and Irene (Nicholson) Sargent. Dave was a storyteller and historian, and he could tell some whoppers!

Dave was a Proud Vietnam Veteran, a farmer, an author with his wife Pat, and a wonderful dad. He kept his children and grandchildren at the forefront of all that he did.

Dave was a published author and enjoyed writing about "Spike, the Black Wolf", "Callie", and his own autobiography, "An Uphill Climb." Dave and Pat both were very animated. Dave loved to tell children and adults alike about the army, his dog, Tippy and to anyone that would listen, he would capture their heart. Together, with his wife Pat, they wrote and published over 400 children's books and the two enjoyed traveling. They spent over 25 years going to schools and encouraging reading and writing with children.

Dave was a military man. He was in the Army for six years and experienced Officer's Training School and paratrooping in Fort Benning, GA. He attended school in France and California. Dave traveled all over the world. After the military, Dave went into business for himself with his father, Clyde. They built houses and started Sargent Construction Company. However, that wasn't enough for Dave; he had to do more. He opened West Fork Lumber Company and then West Fork Truss Company. After a devastating fire destroyed the lumber company, Dave went on to become a dairy farmer. He set up a dairy farm and milked 250 head of cattle. Again, that wasn't enough. Dave started Jersey Maid bottling company and Jersey Maid Ice Cream.

During this time, he was writing about his experiences. He was encouraged to publish his book, "An Uphill Climb". Dave was dyslexic and worked with the Irlen Institute in Long Beach California and wrote a book entitled "What Every Parent and Teacher Should Know About Dyslexia". This book opened the door for people to know more about Dyslexia and how to help others with simple techniques. Dave's autobiography outlined his difficulties in school and how he compensated. Dave became a success despite the hurdles he was given in his life.

Before retirement, Dave went back to farming and became one of the largest growers for Walmart. He worked with Mike Duke, former CEO and President and offered fresh vegetables to the surrounding stores and developed food safety and spoke worldwide. Dave loved working at the Fayetteville Farmer's Market. He, along with Pat, made homemade jellies, jams, breads, candies and had a working garden. Not only did he grow for the farmer's market, but he also grew for family and friends.

Above all Dave was a husband, father, humanitarian, and hero. In his eyes all people were equal and deserved the same respect and understanding.

In his last years, Dave lived with his daughter, Daina and they had fun times. When Daina would get ready for work, she would go to the living room, and he would greet her with a "Good Afternoon" at 5:30 a.m. She would tell him, "It's time to make the donuts" and if she forgot to tell him, he would ask her if it was time before leaving for work.

Dave was preceded in death by his first wife Sharon Saylor Sargent; his second wife Patsy Shull Sargent and his son David Sargent, Jr.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Daina Sargent of Centerton, AR; Stepsons Michael Finklea of Dallas, Texas; Todd Finklea (Mandy) of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; Granddaughters Amber Gordon (Ryan), April Kassel (Kyle Krummel), Ashley Kinghorn and Faith Finklea; Great-grandsons, Landyn, Noah and Chayse. Dave also had his favorite furry friend, G.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024 at The Bentonville Icehouse, 406 SE 5th Street, Bentonville, AR. 72719 with Military Honors.

The family would like to thank Stan and April for the use of the Icehouse.