Obituary for Henry Ford Sexton

Henry Ford Sexton, 85, of Columbus Junction, Iowa died Friday afternoon, August 29, 2008 at Colonial Manor in Columbus Junction. In accordance with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Victory Christian Center in Columbus Junction. A luncheon will follow. The private inurnment ceremony for family will be at the Columbus City Cemetery. Henry was born August 24, 1923 in Dover, TN to Mike and Ida Mae (Byrd) Sexton the seventh of nine children. Following service as a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II, he married Bessie Graber of Wayland, IA in 1946. In 1975 he married Glendean Buffington of Columbus Junction. Henry was a farmer most of his life, and he worked 17 years as a technician for Natural Gas Pipeline Co. Henry Sexton worked tirelessly to provide for his family, but he enjoyed inducing laughter among friends and family, and he delighted in teasing. He happily fished and hunted for recreation, pastimes he joyfully pursued with his children and grandchildren. Henry is survived by a brother, Ray Sexton of Dover, TN; three children, Linda (Dr. Jon) Gibson of Cumming, IA, James D. Sexton of Houston, TX, Anna (Bob) Kidd of San Marcos, TX; his daughter-in-law Melody Sexton of Carmi, IL; four stepchildren, Rolene (Zeke) Fuller, Corky Buffington and Marcia (John) Cherry, all of Columbus Junction and Mark (Judy) Buffington of Bonaparte, IA; six grandchildren, Dr. Katherine, Andrew Henry, Brooke, Llana, Melinda and Rachel; eight step-grandchildren, Brett, Lonny, Dusty, Casey, Cory, Azure, Charle and Brad; and nine step-great grandchildren. Henry was preceded in death by his son, Joseph M. Sexton; his step-granddaughter Julie Buffington; his first wife, Bessie Graber McMickle; his second wife, Glendean Buffington Sexton; seven siblings, and his parents. Memorials may be made to the Colonial Manor Activity Fund or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences and remembrances may be left by visiting www.iowacremation.com under "obituaries".