Earl S. Sargent, Jr.

FRANKLIN — Mr. Earl S. Sargent, Jr., 84, died on July 1, 2008 at Mtn. Ridge Genesis Eldercare in Franklin.

Earl was born in Franklin on March 5, 1924 the son of Earl And Cecilia (Bergeron) Sargent. Mr. Sargent was a lifelong Franklin resident and was a graduate of Franklin High School.

During World War II, Mr. Sargent served as a PFC in the US Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific and participated in the initial landing of the Third Marine Division at Empress Augusta Bay on the enemy held Island of Bougainville, B.S.I.

Following his military service, Mr. Sargent and his brother Gordon were self-employed building contractors. He later worked for the JP Stevens Co., Webster Valve, and Seth Thomas in Boscawen prior to retiring. Mr. Sargent was a skilled wood craftsman and made many items for family and friends as well as St. Paul Church. He was also a longtime volunteer at Franklin Regional Hospital. Earl was passionate about sponsoring needy children for several years through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.

Several years ago, he was active with the former Hannan’s Marauders. Mr. Sargent was a member and Past Grand Knight Bishop Leo O’Neill Council #12147 of the Knights of Columbus. He was a communicant of St. Paul Church and was active in many church affairs. He was predeceased by his wife, Honora (Schlesinger) Sargent who died in 2005 and a brother, Gordon, who died in 1999.

Family members include 7 sons: Francis “Sonny” Sargent of Belmont, Dennis Sargent of Rumford, ME, Douglas Sargent of Puerto Rico, Michael Sargent of Franklin, Kevin Sargent of Tilton, Brian Sargent of Northfield, and Shaun Sargent of Middleton, NH, 16 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, July 7, 2008 from 6-8:00 pm at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 8th at 10 am in St. Paul Church. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery with Military Honors.

Donations in memory of Mr. Sargent may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic School, 50 Church St., Laconia, NH 03246.

For directions and an online guestbook, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.neunfuneralhomes.com" www.neunfuneralhomes.com