Joseph Roderick Surgent

Joseph Roderick Surgent, age 79, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2022 after a long battle with old age. He was born May 13, 1942 in Northern New Jersey to Joe and Ina Surgent in 1942. He graduated Clifton High School and went on to Rutgers University.

Joseph received a degree in Engineering and a regular U.S. Army Commission from Rutgers in 1963 and then went active duty. His first assignment was a Nike Missile Site in Southern California. He served as a infantry advisor during the early years of The Vietnam War. Joseph earned his Combat Infantryman's Badge and proudly wore it above his Parachutist Wings. He left active duty after eight years but continued to serve in The National Guard and Reserves. Joseph retired as a Colonel with 30 years of service.

Joe also had a long career in Law Enforcement. He retired from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department as a Lieutenant, when he was appointed Chief of Police of Sierra Madre, California. He served there for four years when he retired again and moved to Henderson in 1998; Joe did a lot of retiring.

In Henderson, Joe was fortunate to meet Rance Spurlock, owner of Spurlock Gun Shop. Rance got tired of Joe hanging out in his shop and offered him a job. Joe worked for Rance for 11 years, until Rance's untimely death.

Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gail; three children: Chris, Leigh Ann and Scott Surgent, two grandchildren: Emma and Rawlins Surgent. He was preceded in death by his parents. Joe will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Surgent family.