Philip Joseph Sexton

Philip J. Sexton, 101, died peacefully of natural causes on Sept. 4 at Woodland Terrace Assisted Living where he resided since June. He was born on July 17, 1912 to the late Stephen P. and Mabel (LaForest) Sexton. On June 2, 1934 he married Vera L. (Spaulding) Sexton. She preceded him in death in 2008 after 74 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ramon P. Sexton in 2009, four brothers, two sisters, and one great-granddaughter. He is survived by his daughters, Janis Sexton of Buchanan, MI, and Loralee (Craig) Murchland of Decatur, GA and by his daughter-in-law, Joy Sexton of Steamboat Springs, CO. Other survivors include 10 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ted (Irene) Sexton of Harbert, MI. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and several generations of their extended families. Mr. Sexton was owner-operator of Sexton’s Furniture & Appliances in Buchanan for 27 years, and of Sexton’s Realty for 35 years. He was Chairman of the Buchanan City Charter Commission in 1949 and served as Chairman on the City Planning Commission during its first two years. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club and Lion’s Club, served 9 years on the School Board and on the board of Inter-City Bank. He also was President of Realtors’ Association of Southwest Michigan and State Realtors’ Association. He served on the boards of Orchard Hills Country Club and the Salvation Army and was co-founder Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. Phil was an avid golfer and proud of his four holes-in-one. He and his wife, Vera, lived in various communities in Berrien County throughout their lives. They enjoyed traveling and visited many memorable sites in many countries around the world. Phil was, best of all, a devoted family man and a beloved example to his children and grandchildren. He will be cremated in accordance with his wishes. Private arrangements are planned for a later date. Friends and family are asked to remember his 100th birthday celebration as his farewell party. Memorials may be directed to Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, 111 Days Ave., Buchanan, MI 49107 or any charity of the donor’s choice. Anyone wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.swemchapel.com Arrangements have been entrusted with Swem Chapel of Buchanan.