John Kenneth Sargent, 80 years old, of Loveland, Colorado, died in the early morning hours of September 4, 2026 at the Medical Center of the Rockies. His death was the result of complications of advanced Parkinson’s Disease with dementia. He was blessed to receive the Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites and was comforted by the presence of his wife and daughter throughout his final moments.

John was born on March 16, 1946 at Memorial Hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His hard-working, loving parents, Jerry and Carol, raised him amidst the post-war backdrop of the late 40’s and 50’s on Foyer Avenue and on 31st Street. John was blessed to have the guidance and direction of an older sister close enough in age to be both his companion and his first “boss.” As the eldest of five brothers in a large, Catholic family, John had built in responsibilities and entertainment throughout his youth. Since Jerry was a railroader and Carol was a nurse, all of the siblings learned self-sufficiency, creativity and a fair amount of selective recall. Through patience, perseverance and prayer all the siblings grew up to do their parents proud and they remained close as their lives brought them each much happiness.

A stolen kiss on the steps of the Cheyenne Carnegie Library at the tender age of twelve eventually led John to over six decades of marriage. With a glorious head of hair to rival Elvis, talent as a drummer in the band, wit to even make the nuns giggle (occasionally) and a slightly rebellious streak, how could Judy not take notice of him? By her Senior Prom they were engaged. John married Julia Ann Ketchmark on February 19, 1966 in Baltimore, Maryland. The heavens smiled upon their union with a son, Micheal Sean, in 1969, and daughter, Mary Kelly, in 1974.

John’s educational career included: Deming Elementary, Pioneer Park Elementary, St Mary’s Elementary and High School in the graduating class of 1964, Laramie County Community College, Weber State College of Ogden, Utah, and the University of Wyoming. He obtained an Associates of Science and Arts. He completed his electrical apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers = IBEW Local Union 415. He retired as a Master Electrician with over 50 years of service.

As a high school junior, John enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves. John went on to San Diego, California in 1964 for Naval School and was designated as a Fire Control Technician following more schooling in Chicago, Illinois. During his active duty, he was sent to strip down a ship tank, the USS Meeker County LST-980, held in dry dock in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The act of building back up that ship for service in the Vietnam War would occur in Baltimore, Maryland. His active service occurred first in Virginia Beach - then, through the Panama Canal to San Diego, California on to Honolulu, Hawaii and eventually to Guam. John was proud to have served and credited this experience in his life as key in shaping his future.

John was a very hard worker and seldom sat idle. He began working by nine years old with paper routes and caddying on to busboy at the Plains Hotel, pumping gasoline, and just about anything that would pay for a small motorcycle or four wheels and an engine. He worked his way into the managerial position in discount retail for Grand Central, having worked for Kmart and Sears as well. During his many years of service in the electrical field, he was able to participate in a whole host of jobs of note: the first little Taco John’s units in Cheyenne, the wiring of Central High School’s pool (with the water already in), F. E. Warren’s missile silos, the Power Plant in Gillette, Wyoming, the Budweiser Plant in Ft. Collins, the Union Pacific Steam Shop, the Missouri Base & Power Project in Guernsey, Wyoming. He also worked as a Technician at Frontier Oil and Refining for approximately ten years. In addition to formalized work, John always had a project going for a friend, neighbor or his family. His home reflected great love and dedication and he was never without a car or trailer in some stage of improvement or resale.

Throughout life, John enjoyed the beauty of the west, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, the abundance of wildlife, a good laugh with friends, a familiar song and every single smiling toddler he encountered. He never missed the opportunity to point out a blessing, admire a cool piece of machinery, nor to skip an option to go for a drive. Even in his later years, he welcomed his visitors and caregivers with the warmest, grand smile and genuine interest in the social news of the day. He was always happiest when company happened to bear a sweet treat to share.

John is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Julia Ann (Ketchmark) Sargent; his daughter, Mary Kelly Westerfield and her spouse, James Robert; his cherished grandchildren, Paul Russell Westerfield and Elizabeth Carol Westerfield; daughter-in-law, Peggy Sargent and Neil Halliday; his siblings, Judy Sargent, James (George) Sargent, Joseph (Jean) Sargent, Richard Sargent and Karen Byrne, Ronald (Nancy) Sargent, his brother-in-law, Carl (Judy) Ellis; Viki Smith; his beloved nieces and nephew, Dannie Austin, Travis Sargent and Naomi Boness, Tawnya (Geoff) Bragg and Megan (Tyson) Cartwright as well as all his great nieces and nephews and even one new great-great niece. Additionally, he is survived by especially dear extended family and friends: Agnes “Coy”Jarvis, Christine Herr, Judy Kishman and John Browning. He prayed for the eternal souls of his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome David Sargent and Carol Francis (Johnson) Sargent and their infant children, Roger, David and Diane; his treasured son, Micheal Sean Sargent; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Dorothy Ketchmark; his youngest brother, Terry Patrick Sargent as well as sister-in-law, Kathryn (Hoffman) Sargent and John Bunten, and John “Bill” Jarvis.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a Vigil Service and Rosary at Schrader Funeral Home, Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Monday, September 21, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM and a Funeral Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to end Parkinson’s Disease: https://www.michaeljfox.org/give-tribute