Joseph Leonard Sexton

Joseph Leonard Sexton, 84, of Niles, died Sunday, January 24, 2010, of natural causes, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born to the late Phillip S. and Mabel (Forest) Sexton on September 9, 1925 in Weesaw Township, Michigan. On August 30, 1947 in Bryan, OH, he married Darlene L. McIntosh.Surviving is a daughter, Denise Ruggieri of Mishawaka, IN; sons, Michael (Jerry) Sexton of Albuquerque, NM and Patrick (Sandy) Sexton of Astatula, FL; life partner, Lorna Mae Elkins of Niles, MI; brothers, Phil Sexton of Buchanan, MI and Ted (Irene) Sexton of Harbert; grandchildren, Joseph Sexton of Knoxville, TN, Amanda Sexton of Albuquerque, NM, Michael Duncan of South Bend, IN, Andrew (Fiancé, Nicole Miller) Duncan of South Bend, and Dustin Ruggieri of Mishawaka, IN; great grandchildren, Aaron, Christian and Caleb Sexton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene L. Sexton on October 4, 1996; two sisters and three brothers.Joe graduated from New Troy High School in 1943. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW #2. His work life took him from Sexton Furniture Store where he worked for 20 years to the Sinclaire/Arco Gas Station, Kennedy Motors, Clark Equipment and finally to the Waste Water Treatment Plant where he retired, all in Buchanan. He was a member of the Moose #449, Buchanan and former member of the Orchard Hills Country Club and the American Legion Post #51 Buchanan. He was an avid golfer and hunter. He deer hunted in the same spot for 62 years with a group in Paradise, MI. The funeral service will be Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 10:00 am at the Swem Funeral Home. Father Mathew Manalel of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Buchanan, will officiate. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 27, 2010 from 5-7:30pm also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Moose #449, 101 Red Bud Trail South, Buchanan, MI 49107.