John W. Sargeant

John William Sargeant, 94, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026 at his home in the early morning.

John was born June 24, 1932, in Galesburg, the son of Floyd William and Beulah May (Wilson) Sargeant. He graduated from Galesburg High School and immediately pursued technical training to become a certified aircraft mechanic. He served in the US Navy from 1952 until 1957, marrying Mary Patricia Eiker on February 14, 1954, in Galesburg during his service time in the navy. They remained married for 72 years until his passing.

John pursued many career opportunities following his honorable discharge, gaining experience as an aircraft engine mechanic at the municipal airport before finally opening his own machine shop for several years. His career led him to OMC Gale Products working as a Quality Control Engineer for many years until their Galesburg facility closed operations. Following the closure, Maytag offered him a similar engineering position until he retired from company life to pursue a technical teaching career at Galesburg High School, followed by a teaching position at Carl Sandburg College. He finally retired in 1994 after (40) years in technical service.

John could only be described as a genuinely wonderful friend, father and husband. He had never met a stranger, and always projected a warm personality with a smile to share. He will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Patricia; two daughters, Patrice (Pat) Swanson of Dunlap, Illinois and Sara (Richard) Nudd of Chillicothe, Illinois; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and three brothers.

Cremation will be accorded and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed St. Jude Children’s Research Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.