Family and friends recently gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of Gerald J. “Sarge” Meighen, honoring a life marked by service, family, music and dedication to others.

Born May 20, 1946, in Cincinnati, Sarge graduated from Milford High School in 1966, where he was the football team’s fullback and a short forward on the basketball team. Even in his younger years, his strong work ethic was evident, becoming General Motors certified while still in high school and operating his own gas and mechanic’s station. 

On August 23, 1966, Sarge began what would become a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Army. During his assignment at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, he met Kathy Holley, the woman who would become his lifelong partner. The couple married on June 23, 1967, beginning a journey together that now spans nearly 59 years. Soon after their marriage, Sarge departed for a one-year tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. 

Upon returning to the United States, he continued his military service with assignments in Memphis, Tennessee; Arlington Hall, Virginia with the Army Security Agency and later in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where the couple welcomed their two children, Connie (Meighen) Owens and Stephen Meighen. 

One of the family’s favorite duty stations was Okinawa, where Sarge enjoyed participating on the local Army team and pursued another passion which was scuba diving. He earned certifications as a Master Scuba Diver through both PADI and NAWA, accomplishments that reflected his adventurous spirit and commitment to excellence.

Later in his military career, Sarge became an Army recruiter and was promoted to Station Commander, continuing to lead and mentor others through the remainder of his service. He retired honorably from the Army in 1986 as an E-7 Sergeant First Class and recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal. 

Retirement did not slow him down. Sarge drove for UPS and then Watkins and Shepard Trucking in Missoula and as a rancher in his ‘second retirement,’ continuing his reputation for hard work and reliability. Throughout the years, Sarge has also devoted countless hours to youth groups and church music programs. 

A gifted musician, he has served as a music director and accompanist, sharing his talents through the organ, accordion, and singing. One especially memorable chapter from his youth includes accompanying legendary entertainer Liberace. 

Today, Sarge and Kathy are proud parents of two children and grandparents to four grandchildren. Their recent birthday celebration brought together 20 family members and friends to honor not only for Sarge’s 80 years of life, but also the many lives he has touched through service, faith, music, and community involvement. 

At his well-organized and GOTTCHA! Surprise birthday party, Sarge was asked what the biggest highlight of his life was and he said, “the day my babies were born, combined with the awesome feeling of being the first one to hold my son in the delivery room when they had trouble with my wife. But this right here, right now, with the most honorable celebration of my life, well, this is climbing the chart.” 

Those who know him best say the nickname “Sarge” fits perfectly — a man of leadership, loyalty, and heart whose life continues to inspire everyone around him.