Dorsey Gene Sergent, 85, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. He was born October 1, 1938, to the late Roy “Sam” Orville and Maymie Ellen (McCallister) Sergent at Riverside Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. He married his loving wife, Kay Ann Schaller on December 17, 1960, who preceded him in death on March 13, 2024.
Dorsey grew up in poverty in rural Wood County and started working odd jobs at twelve years old, saving his money to put himself through college. One job was helping his neighbors, Tom and Mary Ready, at the Bend on the Dixie Highway, mowing, cleaning cottages and caring for the chinchillas they raised. By high school, he was working at Mr. Ready’s G&M Drugstore in downtown Bowling Green. He tutored the young man on how to talk to customers, make sales and encouraged Dorsey to go to pharmacy school.
Dorsey attended Haskins School from first through 12th grades. He was president of his senior class and editor of the school paper. After graduating as the Salutatorian in 1956, he attended Bowling Green State University and then transferred to the University of Toledo, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Pharmacy. He was a member of the pharmaceutical fraternity Kappa Psi and served as president his senior year.
Dorsey was a pharmacist for fifty-one years. Together, Dorsey and Kay bought the G&M in 1961 and moved the business to Railroad Street in 1965, renaming it Dorsey’s Drugs. They later opened a Dorsey’s Drugs in Fostoria and a Dorsey’s Drugs West in Bowling Green. In 1987, he sold the original store, then worked as a part-time pharmacist at Harts, Kroger, Wood County Hospital, Gibsonburg Pharmacy, and Pills and Packages in Elmore and Woodville. For several years, he was a realtor for Newlove Realty.
Dorsey was active in the Wood County Historical Society for many decades. As a pharmacist, he delivered prescriptions to the Wood County Infirmary, now the location of the Wood County Museum. He played a role in the museum’s early history by serving on its board of trustees, coordinating its first “Old Home Christmas” in 1987 and was a founding member of the Living History Day program, now in its 21st year.
He was a fifty-year member and past president (1980) of the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club. As an active member of Masonic organizations, Dorsey belonged to the Grand Council Royal & Select Masons of Ohio-Bowling Green Council 124 and Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio-Bowling Green Crystal Chapter 157. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, Ohio Pharmacy Association, the Haskins Alumni Association, the Bowling Green Falcon Club and a former member of Town and Gown in Bowling Green.
Dorsey is survived by his daughter Denise Sergent of Minneapolis, son Dean (Amy) Sergent of Oklahoma City, daughters Dana (Michael) Nemeth of Bowling Green, Delaine (Tom) Adams of Bowling Green, nine grandchildren Mirian “Mimi” Sergent-Leventhal (Mia Gil Epner), Ezra Sergent-Leventhal, David Sergent, Jonathan Sergent, Jack Sergent, Cole Nemeth, Miles Nemeth, Gwendolyn Landry (Michael Roberts), Magdelin Landry, three step grandchildren AJ Adams, Tabitha Adams and Kaitlin (Devin) Pittman, six step great grandchildren Avyn, Maeklin, Zayla, Raylee, Logan and Jaxson, sisters Dorothy Beauprez of Bowling Green and Kim Sergent of Michigan, sisters-in-law Beverly Sergent and Jane Sergent, and many special nieces and nephews.
Dorsey wanted to be remembered for loving his family, friends, and his kindness towards animals and people. Along with his wife of 63 years, Kay, Dorsey is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Russell Dennis Sergent, Doye Sergent, infant brother Dana Sergent and nephew Dane Sergent.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43402 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
A private joint interment of Dorsey’s and Kay’s ashes will be held graveside in Oak Grove Cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will be announced at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio, 408 W. Wooster St.
