Obituary of John Steven Sexton

John S. Sexton (75) resident of Clarkia, ID died July 20, 2019 at his home in Clarkia.  He was born Dec. 18, 1943 to Ed and Olive (Whitsit) Sexton in St. Maries, ID.   John grew up in Fernwood, ID.  He went to work in the woods as a young man.  He married Jeannette Shanks in 1965 in Coeur d’ Alene.  They were divorced in 1967. He married Arlene McGaha in Coeur d’ Alene and they made their home in Fernwood.  John worked in the woods for many area logging contractors including St. Maries Logging, Sexton Logging, Scott Brothers Logging to name a few.  He worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was divorced in 1996.  In 1997, John and Martha Johnson became companions and share their lives together.

John retired in 2010.  Martha died in 2016.  John enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding 4-wheelers.  He was passionate about playing his guitar and singing.  His brother Jerry said “John could play and sing for 3 hours and never the same song twice”.  He had a love for people. He was a wonderful father, father-in-law and grandfather.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Cliff and Lisa Sexton of Nampa, ID,  daughters and son’s in law Angie and Ralph Shineflew of Fernwood, ID, Georgia and Doug Beck of Colfax, WA and June and Dave Beyer of Deary, ID.  Also surviving are his brothers Jerry (Carol) Sexton of St. Maries, Pete (Claudia) Sexton of Cheney, WA. and sister Laura Murray in Ohio.  John is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by brothers Maurice and Clifford Sexton and sister Mary Lou Abraham.

A Potluck Celebration of his life will be Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Maries Elks Lodge. Guests are encouraged to write down a memory that can be shared.