James Vernon “Vern” Sexton passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on June 16, 2022, in Oakville, Washington. He was born to James Elbert and Zella Sexton (Nicholson) on August 8, 1935, in Porter, Washington. Vern was raised in Porter and graduated from Elma High School in Elma, Washington.

Vern served in the Army for two years in Anchorage, Alaska. Earning the rank of PFC 1st Class. He worked for Simpson Door and Plywood in McCleary, Washington, and retired in 1992.

On May 27, 1961, Vern married Gloria Smith in Elma. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year. Together they had three children: Travis, Kim, and Melody.

Vern was a part of the Elma and Wynoochee Masonic Lodges as well as the Porter and Oakville Volunteer Fire Departments. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, rock collecting, and wood carving.

Vern is survived by his wife Gloria at their family home in Oakville; daughters Kim (Robert) Howes of Meridianville, Alabama, and Melody (Mitchell) Hubbard of Oakville, Washington; siblings Joseph Sexton of Toledo, Wash., Myrna Weaver of Lacey, Wash., and Alta Bragg of Salkum, Wash.; grandchildren Jason (Jenna) Howes of Huntsville, Alabama, Tyler Hubbard of Oakville, Robyn (Cory) Crabtree of Huntsville, Wyatt Hubbard (Samantha Craddock) of Centralia, Washington, and Shannon Howes of Huntsville; and great-grandaughter Heidi Crabtree of Huntsville. Vern is preceded in death by both his parents, his son Travis Sexton and his sister Barbara Ona Hendrickson.

Memorials may be made in Vern’s name to St. Judes Cancer Research or Oakville Volunteer Fire Department.

Vern was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Elma on June 23, 2022.

To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.