Bennie Joe Sexton

Fort Collins resident Ben (Bennie Joe) Sexton came to the end of life's journey Friday, December 2, 2016, and immediately found himself safe in the presence of his savior. Surrounded by family, Ben peacefully drew his last breath, left his pain-ridden, earthly body and entered into eternal rest. Ben was 76 years old at the time of his death.

Ben was born in Pottersville, Missouri, to Paul and Rosella Sexton on July 18th, 1940. When Ben was 14 years old, the family moved to Nunn, Colorado. He left high school in the 11th grade to help provide for his parents and two younger siblings following his father's stroke. Ben was an over the road truck driver for the majority of his adult life and an owner operator of Homesick Enterprises for over 30 years. In 2008, rheumatoid arthritis brought those 18 wheels to a sudden stop and he was forced into the unfamiliar world of retirement.

On January 23rd, 1961, Ben married the love of his life Peggy Schultz. His death left them seven weeks shy of their 56th wedding anniversary. Their union produced three daughters and one son. His wife and children were his pride and joy, and he was never shy about bragging about them. He loved them dearly and there was never a day they didn't know of his unconditional love. He was a born again, baptized Christian and a member of the Carr Community Church.

Ben's older sister, Ardith, bought him a mandolin when he was 8 years old. This purchase sparked his love for music and began a fire that would burn brightly throughout his life. He was a very talented singer/song writer, guitar and mandolin player. There was nothing he loved more than a good old fashioned "music party". He was instrumental in passing this love of music on to the next generation through his children, his nieces and nephews, and even the next generation with his grandchildren. Countless weekends were spent playing and singing country music, and never did an evening come to a close without several southern gospel tunes complete with three and four part harmony being sung.

Ben always had a smile on his face to go with the song in his heart, and he had a joke for absolutely every occasion. He was a kind, hard working, generous, witty character that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and never once consider that you should return it. He believed and always expected the best in people, and more times than not, people rose to the occasion in their behavior because of his encouragement and positive expectation. He was quick to forgive and believed in second chances. Ben was a recovered alcoholic and had been sober for nearly 35 years!!!

Ben is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Peggy Sexton, of Fort Collins, Colorado; daughters Bonny Sirios, Sandy Nelson (Walter) and Paula Schlagel, all from the Windsor/Fort Collins area and son David Sexton (Kay) from Omak, Washington; brother, Bob Sexton (Gladys) of Gill, CO; sisters, Nina Schmer of Fort Collins and Joyce Lemons (Keith) of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law Sharlet Sexton of Fort Collins; 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ben was preceded in death by his brother Frank Sexton, his sister Ardith Cook Drake, and nephew Larry Sexton.

There will be a visitation Thursday evening, December 8th, at Bohlender Funeral Home, 121 W. Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO from 6:00pm-9:00pm. The Celebration of Life service will be Friday morning, December 9th, at Timberline Church, 2908 Timberline Road, at 10:30am. Graveside services will follow immediately after at Roselawn Cemetery, 2718 E. Mulberry, Fort Collins, CO. Reception following graveside services at Timberline Church, 2908 Timberline Road, Fort Collins, CO.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Fort Collins Healthcare Center, especially Hannah, Scott, Bobbi and Miranda, and Pathways Hospice for the exceptional care and love shown to Daddy the last three weeks of his life. It was seriously above and beyond the call of duty. Please know that you quickly carved a place into Daddy's heart, and you will never be forgotten.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524 or made out to Timberline Church and the donations will be given to Peggy.