David Patrick Sexton, 63 of Salem, Virgina, formerly of Marlette, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren on Friday, May 3, 2024.
David was born to Moody J. Sexton and Francesca Imbrunone on March 14, 1961, in Mount Clemens, Michigan. He grew up in Imlay City, Michigan and attended Lapeer East High School, graduating in 1979. He went on to earn an Electronics associate degree and enjoyed a career as an electronics technician, working for 15 years at Vlasic Foods in Imlay City, Michigan before moving to Virgina in 2008 to take a role as a Senior Electronics Technician at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing in Salem.
One of David’s most defining characteristics was his tireless work ethic. Whether at home or on the job, he was always fixing and building things. He never met a project he couldn’t tackle. He was proud to have remodeled several homes and of having built a house himself. He maintained a small farm, kept the fleet of family vehicles and lawn equipment in working condition, and developed an impressive woodworking hobby. He inherited a love of gardening and flowers from his father. He shared the fruit of his labors with everyone around him and loved to teach others a new skill, especially his children.
David was an outgoing and generous soul who sincerely believed that if you could do something to help someone out, you should. He made everyone around him feel welcome, like members of his extended family. He raised his children to live by two mottos: “If you learn to love to read, you can do anything” and “If you can cook, you will always have friends.” His children will treasure memories of him up early in the kitchen, banging around pots and pans and singing silly songs while serving up his signature made-to-order breakfasts and all his neighbors and friends will miss his homemade pies, muffins, and cookies.
David’s life was guided by his faith in Jesus. He constantly shared his testimony about God’s miraculous healing in his life. He was a dedicated member of his church community wherever he lived, volunteering to play children’s songs on his guitar in the nursery, lead the youth program, and even preach the occasional sermon. He lived a life of tireless dedication and service to others. Lovingly known as “Happy”, by his grandchildren, David was intentional about expressing his love and affection for his family and friends with constant “I love yous”, big bear hugs, kisses, and prickly beard snuggles. He will be remembered as a dependable coworker, dedicated friend, beloved brother, and devoted father and grandfather who was always willing to go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. David will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
David is survived by a large and loving family – his beloved eight children and five grandchildren: Eleiah (Scott) Schere of Berlin, Conn.; David (Rebecca) Sexton and granddaughter, Collins of Cartersville, Ga.; Jesse (Megan) Sexton and grandchildren, Leighland, Caswell, and Reagan of Hollins, Va.; Stephanie Sexton of Hamden, C0nn.; Anna (Christopher) Underwood and grandson, Gunnar of Hollins, Va.; Nathaniel (Meadow) Sexton of Bassett, Va.; Andrew Sexton of Salem, Va.; and Benjamin Sexton of Salem, Va.; his siblings: John Sexton of Sandusky, Michigan; Mark (Linda) Sexton of Attica, Michigan; Thomas Sexton of Buffalo, Wyo.; Tina (Kenneth) Natale of Mount Morris, Michigan; Grace (Webb) Katter of White Cloud, Michigan; Peter (Leanne) Sexton of Lake Orion, Michigan, and Michael Sexton of Attica, Michigan; as well as 23 nieces and nephews, 34 great nieces and nephews, and seven great, great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Riverside Evangelical Methodist Church (1920 Lucas ST, Salem, VA 24153). Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service. Flowers and other tokens of sympathy can be sent directly to Riverside Evangelical Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
