Chester Sexton

Chester Sexton (1929-2017) was a Scott County lawman who served as sheriff for several months in 1986.

See Also: Sheriffs of Scott County
Preceded By: Marion Carson • Succeeded By: Jack Laxton

Early Life

Born July 4, 1929, Sexton was the son of James Harvey Sexton (1886-1972) and Nannie Trammell (1883-1978). He was one of 10 children.

Sexton married his wife, Barbara, in 1955. They had five daughters: Donna Kaye, Linda, Sandra, Brenda and Christine.

Sheriff of Scott County

Sexton served as chief deputy under Scott County Sheriff Marion Carson from 1976 to 1986. When Carson was indicted by a federal grand jury and resigned his position in March 1986, Scott County Commission appointed Sexton to fulfill the remainder of Carson’s term — which ended Aug. 31, 1986. Sexton served a little more than five months as sheriff before turning over the reins of the department to Jack Laxton, who was elected in the August 1986 election. Sexton did not seek election as sheriff.

Death

Sexton died at his home in Pioneer on March 3, 2017, at the age of 87. A funeral service was held on March 6, 2017 at West-Murley Funeral Home in Oneida with Melvin Stephens and Sammy Yancey officiating. Sexton was buried at Scott Memorial Gardens in Oneida.

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