| Former Roane County Prosecutor and farmer, Mark G. Sergent, 57, of Walton passed away on July 6 after a short illness.
Mark was a 1978 graduate of Winfield High School. He received a Bachelor of Science, Agriculture degree in 1982 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1985, both from West Virginia University. In college he was recognized for his outstanding scholarship by the following honorary fraternities: Gamma Sigma Delta, Alpha Zeta, and Phi Kappa Phi. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho social-professional fraternity.
Mr. Sergent returned to his family farm on Johnson Creek near Walton after receiving his law degree. He began a solo law career specializing in criminal defense and general law. In 2001, he was successfully elected Roane County Prosecuting Attorney and he served two terms in office.
Upon leaving the Prosecutor's office, he spent the next eight years farming, volunteering, and caring for his elderly mother until her passing.
Mark was a faithful and devout Christian and was a member of the Methodist Class at Walton Union Church. He served as Sunday School teacher, youth leader, Sunday School Superintendent, Bible School teacher and Trustee of the church. He served as a Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church.
Mark was recognized by the 151st Military Police Battalion with a United States Flag flown over Iraq for his service in providing food and comfort boxes for local servicemen and women who were deployed on active duty.
He was a Board Member of the Roane County 4-H Foundation, had been a member of the Camp Sheppard 4-H Advisory Committee, was a Board Member of the Salvation Army store in Spencer, served as Treasurer of the Committee to promote the Roane County Emergency Services and Library levy, was a trustee of the endowment fund for the Walton Public Library, and was former President of the Walton Civic Club.
Mark was an outstanding 4-H member growing up. He was Chief of his tribe at Boy's State 4-H Camp at Jackson's Mill. He was a national winner in 4-H agricultural marketing demonstration at the National Junior Horticultural Society.
He was second runner up for scholarship recognition for his Petroleum Power 4-H project work at National 4-H Club Congress. Mark was recognized as giving outstanding service to the 4-H program by receiving the West Virginia 4-H All Star Pin. He was an active member of the All Star organization and provided his lifetime of service to helping 4-H youth and supporting the 4-H program with his time, talents, and donations.
Mark was known as an outstanding miller by stone grinding corn meal with his antique equipment. He gave demonstrations to school children and interested people of the old art. He ground corn meal at the Black Walnut Festival in Spencer and at the Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair in Ripley for 42 years. In 2007, Mark was inducted into the Mountain State Arts and Crafts Festival Hall of Fame for his service to that organization.
Mark was known far and wide for his interest in antique tractors, gas engines, farm equipment, and trucks. He worked to preserve unique items of agricultural equipment in working condition. He collected antique tools from agriculture and the early WV oil and gas industry for display, education, and preservation.
Mr. Sergent was very interested in preserving local history. He worked to preserve the Ralph Nestor Collection of early Roane County photographs for future generations by arranging their preservation in the WV State Division of Culture and History. He also donated copies of his Sergent family's private early photographs to the state. He was a member of the Roane County Historical Society. He was a Knight of the Golden Horseshoe.
Mark was also known for his cooking. He organized and prepared meals for his church, 4-H fundraisers, community projects, school fundraisers, and charity events. He loved to critique local restaurants and foods on the internet as the "Johnson Creek Food Critic."
Mr. Sergent quietly served the people of his community. He drove people to their doctor's appointments, volunteered his labor in local fundraisers and projects, and helped people with counseling on personal issues. Much of his service went unseen but he will be greatly remembered and missed by those he helped.
A Memorial Service commemorating Mark's life will be held on Sunday, July 9 at 2:00 PM at the Walton Union Church. A private burial service will be held. | 
