Dean Sexton

(From Knell Mortuary)

David Dean Sexton passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 10, 2021. Dean was born February 28, 1956 in Lockwood, Missouri to Bob Sexton and Wanda Moore Sexton Howerton. 

He moved to Carthage with his family when was 11 years old. He attended Carthage schools and graduated from Carthage High School in 1974. 

During high school, he was active in sports and student council. A serious knee injury in a CHS football game ended his hopes of playing college football and he started working nights at Schreiber Foods before graduating from high school.

While working at Schreiber, a co-worker signed Dean’s name on a bid sheet for a position as a company driver as a prank. Despite having no truck driving experience, Dean accepted this challenge to better himself and his future. 

After driving for Schreiber for a few years, Dean’s grandfather loaned him $5,000 in 1981 to purchase one truck and one trailer. He teamed up with his brother, Danny, to haul loads for Schreiber Transit. The first D & D office was a storage shed. 

Dean soon purchased more trucks and trailers and added more drivers, including his brother, Davin. The company incorporated, acquired more customers, and started growing into the Midwest’s #1 common/contract refrigerated carrier with over 130 tractors, 300 reefer trailers and 190 full-time employees.

During Dean’s 40+ year career in the transportation industry, he and D & D Sexton have received numerous state and national awards and recognition. In 2010, Dean was recognized by Governor Jay Nixon for his outstanding leadership and investment in Missouri’s economy. He was a member of the Truckload Carriers Association and served on the Board of Directors. He was a member of the Missouri Motor Carriers Association and served on the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and as Chairman of the Board. He also served as the Executive Director of the American Trucking Association. 

In 2009, Dean was awarded the Fred G Campbell Outstanding Service Award from the Missouri Motor Carriers Association honoring his dedication and service to the association, truck transportation, and public service.

Dean valued the contributions of every current and former employee, and he was most proud when individual employees were recognized for their accomplishments. His employees gave him a lot to brag about, including Remy Braun, who was named Driver of the Year in 2019 for the United States, and Scott Hurrell who was named Driver of the Year in 2018 for Missouri. 

Safety has always been one of the company's highest priorities, and the company has received many state and national awards for safe driving. Many D & D drivers have personally been recognized for driving more than 1 million miles with no DOT accidents. 

Impressively, Dean, Danny and Davin combined have driven over 8 million accident-free miles. Dean also valued the relationships he developed with business associates, many of whom became life-long friends.

Dean married Michele Hoffman in 1990 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dean became a stepfather to Matthew Lonardo and then a father to Deandra Sexton. He quickly jumped into the father role coaching Matthew and Deandra in baseball, driving Deandra to school, and spending hours at their school events and sports activities as they grew. Dean loved his family and was especially proud of his kids and grandkids.
Dean was a regular fixture in the Carthage community. He loved to talk and never met a stranger. He enjoyed attending and watching the Kansas City Chiefs games with his high school friends. 

He loved living in Carthage and was humbled when he was named a Carthage Hero in 2016. He was active in the Carthage Bowling League, Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Board, and Rotary Club. He attended Grace Episcopal Church. Dean did not particularly enjoy being in the spotlight and often did things quietly to help others in the community. He was one-of-a-kind with a big heart and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Dean is survived by his wife, Michele, children Matthew (Lane Friedman) and Deandra, grandchildren Aria and Arlo Lonardo, father and stepmother Bob & Sylvia Sexton, brothers Daniel (Kendra) and Davin, sister Darla, stepsister Debbie (Dale) Boettcher, as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Wanda, sister Debbie Sexton McNary, stepfather Keith Howerton, and stepbrother Mark Gollnick.

A public celebration of Dean’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, July 2nd, 2021 at Fairview Christian Church, Carthage. In lieu of flowers, please honor Dean’s love for Carthage with a memorial in his honor to the Fair Acres Family YMCA or Carthage Bright Futures in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, MO 64836. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.