William "Billy" Lee Sargent

William "Billy" Lee Sargent, a proud Marine, dedicated worker, and lifelong Havre resident, passed away at the age of 77 on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Graveside services with Veteran honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Highland Cemetery in Havre. Memorial contributions in Billy’s honor may be made to a memorial of the donor’s choice. Please visit Bill’s online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at www.hollandbonine.com.

Billy was born June 20, 1949, in Havre, Montana, to Kenneth Lee and Lillian (Burch) Sargent. Raised and educated in Havre, he answered the call of duty after high school, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps and serving honorably in the Vietnam War.

Upon returning home to Havre, Billy spent 12 years working as a roughneck in the oil fields, traveling wherever the rigs demanded. He later found his true professional calling keeping Havre’s local establishments pristine. As a bar swamper, Billy didn’t just do a job—he mastered a craft. Over a dedicated 35-year career, he took immense pride in his work and was widely recognized as the absolute best swamper in the state of Montana.

In his younger years, Billy’s true freedom was found on the back of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, cruising through the Bear Paw Mountains. Though a severe accident in 1981 forced him to part with his bike, it never broke his spirit. He channeled his energy into his community, becoming a familiar face shooting pool for the Palace Bar club and playing cards with friends.

Billy was famous for his razor-sharp, bone-dry sense of humor. He wasn't one for sappy moments; whenever his close friends would tell him, “Love ya, Bill,” Billy would instantly counter with his signature reply: “Yeah, I love me too!”

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Calvin Leroy Sargent; and his sisters, Linda Bosworth and Gaile Marie Sargent.

Billy is survived by his brother, Eallen F. Sargent of Havre; his sisters, Sherry Fennell of Mandan, North Dakota and Christina Hammond of Helena, MT; nieces and nephews; Trisha Sargent, Tanya Dooley, Leroy Bosworth, Sean Fennell, Markus Sargent and John Paul Labbe. Numerous extended family members and life-long friends who will deeply miss his quiet pride and quick wit.

Bill’s family would like to thank Nikki Miranda and Michael Dess for everything that they did for Bill. They appreciate the kindness and compassion.