Clifford J. Sexton

Clifford passed away quietly with his son by his side. He was 90 years old.
He was born to Joseph and Lavaja Sexton in Gravity, Iowa, the eldest of 9 children. At 7 months his family moved to Portales, New Mexico, where he lived on a farm until 8 years old.
When a terrible hail storm wiped out all of their crops, the family moved, Grapes of Wrath style, to Salem, Oregon, which was home for him the rest of his life. Clifford was very proud to have served on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger, the first carrier built from the keel up. When he was discharged from the Navy, he returned to Salem High School to earn his diploma. He then joined the Merchant Marines and spent the next 8 years visiting 27 or more countries, loving every moment of it, and experiencing life. He loved to relate his experiences to all that would listen. While awaiting his next shipping assignment, he met Judy, the love of his life. They were married on August 28, 1954. They had three children who provided many years of exciting events and amusement, as well as three grandchildren. He loved to take them hunting, camping and a variety of other activities, using these experiences to teach them lessons of life. He was so proud of them all!
Cliff worked at many jobs, including foreman at Oregon Turdey Growers, installing septic tanks for Mike's Septic Service, and he retired at age 60 from the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
His Intersts included gardening, bowling, household projects, hunting, camping and RVing, and always travel. He loved visiting with friends nad family and telling stories of his adventurous life.
He is survived by Judy, his wife of 63 years, his son Robert Sexton (Donna), daughters Peggy Milburn (Scott), and Susan Sexton, three grandchildren, Shawna Sexton, Stephany Sexton, and Tyler Milburn, sister Evelyn Cole, and brother Vernon Sexton (Wendy).
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Clara Starr, Fred Sexton, Frank Sexton, Robert Sexton, Betty Maudlin, and William Sexton.
He was well loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Private graveside services will be family only at 11:00 AM at Restlawn Memory Garden on Friday, September 22, followed by a Celebration of Life at Quality Suites, 5188 Wittenberg Lane NE, Keizer, OR 97303 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hawthorne House of Salem, The Alzheimer's Association, or Willamette Valley Hospice.