On April 4, 2025, our deeply loved husband, father, grandpa, and brother passed away at age 76 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He passed peacefully at home, with his wife of 50 years, Donnie, by his side. Ed was born on March 4, 1949 to Suzanne Fix Sexton and John Sexton in Frankfurt, Germany, where his father was stationed in the army. The family expanded with the addition of sisters Betty and Debbie, and brother Dale. The family moved around for John's various assignments, but eventually settled in Livingston, Montana, where Ed graduated from Livingston High School. He attended MSU, where he met the love of his life, Donnie Eaton. After college, the couple married and settled in Helena, where Donnie took a job with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Ed went to work with Nicholson, Inc. in the construction trade. Completing their family were sons Jed and Tanner, born in Helena, April 27, 1983, and May 24, 1985, respectively.

After a few years, Ed branched out on his own. Eventually, he and Donnie, with the help of their sons, founded Sexton Group Construction, a family-owned business that continues to this day. With the help of a lifelong friend and business associate, Lee Flasnick, the company has grown into one of Helena's most successful and respected construction companies, specializing in custom home builds. Ed was fortunate to develop lasting friendships with many of his clients.

Without doubt, Ed's greatest joy in life was his sons, Jed and Tanner. When the boys were in grade school, a trip to the Edmonton Mall's indoor hockey rink sparked a passion for hockey in both of them. With the addition of a new ice rink in Helena, they became a "hockey family", following both boys through high school as they pursued their love of the game. The family spent countless hours on sketchy roads and endured freezing rinks to cheer on the boys. Between hockey, many weekend outings involved hunting, fishing, and camping, instilling a love of the outdoors for Jed and Tanner. A family cabin in Luther and a small family ranch near Melstone (both properties developed by Ed's in-laws) enabled wonderful opportunities for family gatherings and exploring the great outdoors.

With Jed's marriage to Riann Gillespie came two amazing grandkids, Hyser and Dakota. Hyser is carrying on the hockey family tradition, as hockey has become his passion. Dakota is his artist, and many of her drawings decorate the family home.

Ed was never one to turn down a beer. His many friends and associates frequently gathered for "Tanker Tuesday" to down a cold one or two. Ed was also an avid golfer and enjoyed golf trips with his buddies to various locations. His advice to any golfer was "keep the ball in the fairway."

Preceding Ed in death were his parents, John and Sue, his sister Betty, his respected in-laws, Bill and Betty Eaton, and nephew Ryan Eaton. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Donnie, son Tanner, son Jed, daughter-in-law Riann, grandkids Hyser and Dakota, sister Debbie Schmidt (Brad), brother Dale (ex-wife Hannah), brother-in-law Sheldon Eaton (Vicki), brother-in-law Larry Eaton (Connie), brother-in-law Rodney Eaton (Sandi), and many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank St. Peter's Cancer Care for guiding us on our cancer journey, and Hospice of St. Peter's, especially nurse Aleta, for their compassionate care toward our family. We also thank Pastor Lyle and Diane Person, for their lifelong friendship and counsel. We are grateful for so many friends and family sending messages, phone calls, or stopping by for visits in Ed's last days.

Per Ed's wishes, he has been cremated and no service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to United Luv, 3245 Alpine Dr., Billings, MT 59102, or Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 459, Helena, MT 59624. Simple Cremation Montana is assisting the family. Remembrances and condolences may be sent to the family at www.simplecremationmt.com

Jesus, the most extraordinary carpenter of all time, now has a tireless helper by his side.