Fred E. Sargent, Sr., 77, of Van Wert, died at 10:40 a.m., Saturday, at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home. He was born on November 14, 1938, in Van Wert, the son of the late Floyd Sargent, Sr., and Gladys (Foust) Sargent. Fred was raised by his foster parents Glenn & Ruth Baltzell of Celina who also are deceased. He married Sandra K. (Haines) in December of 1968, and she survives. Other survivors include his two sons, Fred E. Sargent, Jr. of Van Wert and Kelly (Karen) Sargent of Bradenton, FL; a daughter, Kathy Brooks of Van Wert; one brother, Paul (Shirley) Sargent of Ellenton, FL; five grandchildren, Kelly Sargent, Jr., Marguerite (Mike) Brown, Zach Brooks, Samantha Brooks and Destiny Brooks; and two great granchildren; Draven Fortney and Andrew Brown. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Floyd Sargent, Jr., and Richard Sargent; and a sister Betty Coombs. Fred retired from the National Seal in 2004 after 31 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a 1958 graduate of Van-Del High School. He formerly attended the First Baptist Church in Van Wert. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Eberle officiating. Interment will follow at Ridge Cemetery in Ridge Township. There will be calling 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to The Van Wert County Humane Society Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.