Dr. Larry Sexton
Larry Charles Sexton, Ed.D., a dedicated educator and veteran, passed away on September 9, 2023, in Seattle, WA, at the age of 79, after a courageous yearlong battle with Leukemia. He was born on December 13, 1943, in Muncie, Indiana, spending his early years on various Air Force bases.
Larry’s journey was marked by a profound commitment to education and service. He graduated from college in 1965 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably for over four years during the Vietnam War, eventually achieving the rank of Captain. Larry’s academic pursuits led him to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Counseling.
In 1976, Larry began his career as an assistant professor at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. He became deeply involved with the Kentucky Counseling Association, even serving as its President. Larry’s dedication extended to the Kentucky Counseling Licensure board, where he contributed his expertise for several years. Over the years, he rose to the position of full professor at EKU and served as Associate Dean of the College of Education, even acting as Dean for a year. Following his retirement from EKU, he continued to share his knowledge, teaching at Northern Kentucky University and the University of the Cumberlands, specializing in online counseling courses, until his final retirement in August 2021.
Larry leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 58 years, Janet Sexton, his son Eric Sexton and wife Lise Sexton of Snohomish, WA, and his son-in-law Dorain Adkins, Jr. (known as Buck) of Richmond, KY. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Phil Poland and wife Barbara of Lee’s Summit, MO, niece Carrie Bolin (Mark) of Winter Garden, FL, nephew David Poland (Laura) of Lenexa, KS, and nephew Jason (Jenn) of Olathe, KS. Surviving from Indiana are a grand-niece Monica Parks, grand-niece Candice Middleton, and an aunt, Dixie June Rench, along with numerous aunts-in-law and cousins. Larry cherished his grandchildren: Taylor Jaye Sexton, Riley Erin Sexton, Elaina Nicole Sexton, Signe Rachelle Sexton, Emily Kay Adkins, Ethan James Adkins, Brynja Karoline Kirby, Declan Patrick Kirby, and personally adopted granddaughter Maddie Bailey.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Loma Daisy Sexton (2015), his step-father, Johnnie Eugene Sexton (2012), his niece Christy Bookout (2013), his sister, Johnnie Sue Crose (2019), his brother-in-law Ray Crose (2019), and his daughter Susan Kay Adkins (2022).
In accordance with the family’s wishes, there will be no formal services, and he will be laid to rest in Richmond Cemetery, near his beloved daughter and his in-laws, Frank and Josie Poland. The family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be shared through cards or letters during this time of remembrance. Larry’s memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him, and his legacy as an educator and a loving family man will live on.