Darrel Sexton

Darrel Sexton, 90, of Carmi, passed away on March 15, 2022, at home surrounded by family.  He was born on December 14, 1931, the second of seven children, in Hughes County, Oklahoma, to the late Elmer and Lorene (Lucas) Sexton. Darrel attended Carmi Schools and graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1950.  He was a graduate of S.I.U. Carbondale, with a degree in Education-Math major, English and History minors, and he was also a graduate of the University of Illinois, majoring in Educational Administration.  He returned to S.I.U. afterward, and earned an Educational Specialist Degree. Darrel was a member of Stewart Street Baptist Church and a retired employee of Carmi Schools.  He served with creditable service for 31 years as a teacher, principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent.  He also served in the Navy as a dental technician for four years and eight months from 1952 to 1956.  He married Helen Pollard on July 28, 1953, and for 59 years they shared their lives together.  Helen passed away on June 24, 2012, after a lengthy illness.

Darrel is survived by a son, Greg (Teresa) Sexton; granddaughter, Lindsey Sexton; great-grandson, Kyson; a sister, Sue Gilbert; Sisters-in-law, Jan Sexton and Sandy Sexton; a brother-in-law, Dean Gilbert; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Sexton; his parents; siblings, Christene, Maxine, Gerald, Leland, Gene, and Kenneth; sister-in-law, Helen Sexton; and brother-in-law, Allen Brandenstein.

Funeral services for Darrel Sexton, will be private, with burial at White County Memorial Garden in Carmi.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Darrel's memory to Carmi White County School Foundation and will be accepted at Stendeback Funeral Home in Carmi, who is in charge of arrangements.