Mary Sexton

Mary Evelyn Sexton, a cherished member of the Atchison community, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in Atchison, Kansas, surrounded by her family. Born on September 15, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Frank Regnary and Evelyn (Jansen) Regnary. Mary lived a life that centered around her family, dedicating herself as a housewife and homemaker while raising her children.

She attended a one room schoolhouse in Doniphan County and is a graduate of Atchison High School. Mary served her country honorably as an X-Ray technician in the United States Air Force from September 27, 1955, until her discharge on December 21, 1956, where she met her husband, Harold Dean Sexton, at Ft. Walton Beach. They were married on October 15, 1956, in Jackson, Mississippi, near where Dean was raised. They spent a few years in Clovis, NM, before returning to Atchison in 1961.

Mary's love for her family was unwavering. She is survived by two sons Stephen Sexton and Doug (Rhonda) Sexton, eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her selflessness shone through in everything she did, always thinking about the betterment of her children and grandchildren.

Mary had a zest for life and a passion for adventure. Her love of travel led her to explore the beauty of the National Parks, with an especially fond appreciation for Palouse Falls in Washington and the Alpine Visitor Center outside of Estes National Park. Armed with her Golden Age Pass, she made countless memories with her family in the great outdoors. When she wasn’t traveling, she could be found with her radio, listening to the Royals, or engaging in her hobby of fishing. With a playful spirit, she also enjoyed shooting clothes pins from her kitchen window with her .22 rifle.

She was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church in Atchison, serving as a Deaconess and participated in the Friendship Class and the Fellowship Department.

Mary is now reunited with her family who passed before her, including her husband, Harold Dean Sexton, Sr., her two sons, Dwight Sexton and Harold Dean Sexton, Jr., as well as her grandson, Brent Sexton.

A visitation will be held at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:30 PM until 6:30 PM, followed by a funeral service that will begin at 6:30 PM, with Rev. William Mitchell officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.