Francis Sexton

Francis Edward Sexton of Deerfield Beach, FL died peacefully at home on October 20, 2017. A memorial visitation is planned on November 2, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home in Deerfield Beach, Fl. A funeral Mass and burial will be held at St. Columba Church in Ottawa, IL, on November 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Sexton was born April 1, 1926 in Ottawa, IL to Bryan Sexton and Margaret (Jensen) Esmond. He married Laurie Ann Scherer on September 9, 1950. They raised six children together and celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary prior to Laurie’s passing in 2015.

Mr. Sexton attended St. Patrick School and Ottawa High School in Ottawa, IL. During his senior year of high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp Enlisted Reserves. He was Honorably Discharged in 1945 and enlisted in the Army Reserves for 3 years after that. While in the Reserves, he attended the University of Denver in CO and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.

He started his professional career at the Illinois Department of Highways prior to operating his own consulting engineering and land surveying business in Ottawa, IL for 30 years. After moving to Florida, he worked for the Department of Transportation until his retirement at age 77. He was an active member of several professional and social organizations, including Knights of Columbus, Elks Club and Ottawa Boat Club. He enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, traveling, playing cards, and gardening. He attended his children’s and grandchildren’s school and athletic functions. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach, FL and St. Columba Church in Ottawa, IL.

He is survived by his children: Margo (Neil) Richardson of Urbana, IL; Kay (Gene) Wandling of Iowa City, IA and Boynton Beach, FL; Michael (Jean) Sexton of Wellington, FL; Larry (Susan) Sexton of Marietta, GA; Ann McQuiston of Boynton Beach, FL; and Beth (Mark) Richardson of Lake Worth, FL. He has twelve grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren surviving him.

His wife, parents, stepfather, Roy Esmond, two sisters, a brother, a grandson, Brent Q. Richardson, and a son-in-law, Kon McQuiston, preceded him in death.