CWO3 US Navy retired, Paul David Sexton, 84, died in the early hours of May 27, 2023 in Stillwater with his wife beside him. Services will be held at a later date. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation handled arrangements professionally and with compassion.

Paul was born to John and Helen (Bradley) Sexton in Gleason, Tennessee on August 5, 1938. He was the eldest of five brothers, all of whom followed him into the Navy. The family moved to St. Louis, Missouri where Paul grew up. After graduating from O'Fallon High School, he joined the military and served with honor for 23 years. One of his early duty stations was in Norman., where he met his future wife Judith Gear of Graham. His favorite ship was the carrier USS Enterprise, on which he made three cruises to the far East. After being stationed on both coasts, he retired to Oklahoma.

During and after his military service he continued his education, earning an Associate's Degree at Grossmont College in San Diego County, Bachelor's degree at SOSU in Durant, and his Master's at OSU in Stillwater.

While at OSU, he was employed in the University Audio Visual Center. He began his second career as school librarian at McClain Middle School and retired from McClain High School in Tulsa. Teaching was a natural for Paul, who had always urged young people to acquire education.

Paul's life was devoted to country and family. He found his greatest joy in his children, and was a proud and loving father. A devoted "Papa Bear". Some of his happiest hours were spent with his grandson.

He is predeceased by his parents; as well as his brothers Guy Ronald and Stanley Sexton.

He is survived by his wife Judith; children Jennifer (Jerry) Knight of Stillwater, Stephanie Sexton of Ft. Worth, and Eric of Dallas; grandson Declan Knight; his brothers John (Mary) and Craig (Donna); as well as numerous nephews and nieces; sisters-in-law Joy, Nancy, and Ketty Sexton; He is also survived by his friends of more than 60 years, Kirby and Ann Hughes, and their son Lance.