Ronald Sexton, 77 of Philo passed away at 6:45PM Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at home.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Thursday, April 15, 2021 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo. The funeral mass will follow at 6:00 PM at the church with Rev. Keith Walder officiating. Graveside service with military rites will be at 2:00 PM Friday, April 16, 2021 at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo. Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with arrangements.
Ron was born June 10, 1943 in Chicago, a son to Raymond and Mary McInerney Sexton. He married Beverly Bleichner on December 14, 1985. She preceded in death on December 25, 2017.
Surviving are three sons; Doug Sexton, Roger (Lourdes) Sexton, and Steven (Margaret) Sexton, two step-daughters; Jody (Daniel) Boles and Julia (Richard) Clevenger, son-in-law, Michael Bowman, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three brothers; Patrick (Linda) Sexton, Gerald (Donna) Sexton and Richard (Linda) Sexton, a sister; Mary Ann (James) Murphy and nieces and nephews. Ron also leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Dez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Michael Sexton, William Sexton, and Daniel Sexton and step-daughter, Phyllis Bowman.
Ron attended parochial school in Chicago. He served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Rantoul, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. After being honorably discharged he was employed at the Champaign Police Department for several years. He was employed and retired from the University of Illinois, F & S division. Ron served as a scout leader and coached little league baseball and pee wee football. As a Boy Scout he earned Eagle with Bronze Palm and as an explorer he earned the Silver Award, along with numerous merit badges.
Ron was a member C-U Elks #2497, Tuscola Moose, VFW Post #5520, American Legion Post 71, AMVETS #3, Eagles and DAV. He held various offices with the local AFL-CIO, American Legion 1171, Philo Commander, VFW-Quartermaster and State Jr. Vice President, Eagles Trustee, and was president of AFSME 698 and Optimist Club.
He enjoyed fishing, reading, golf, and sporting events. His favorite teams were Unity High School, Illinois Fighting Illini, Notre Dame, Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox.
Ron & Bev were a social, fun loving couple. They loved traveling and hosting parties. The neighborhood won’t be the same without them. The family would like to thank all their neighbors for the friendship and care they gave. Special thanks to Michael Schalk and Todd Cler.
Memorials may be made to St. Thomas School, Philo.
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