Eugene Kenneth “Gene” Sexson, 94, of Maryville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Nodaway Nursing Home.
Gene was born on March 2, 1932, in Maryville, Missouri to James and Versa (Teague) Sexson. He attended Barnard High School and served in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic, enlisting at the age of 18. He was a member of the Barnard United Methodist Church, and the O’Howell Strader American Legion.
He married Kathleen Louise McBride in 1983. She preceded him in death in 2015. He was also preceded by his parents.
Gene Sexson, as most remember him, had a colorful life, lived in the Lewistown, Montana area for 20 years. He was a rancher, cowboy and a husband and stepfather. He was a card-carrying member of the Musician’s Union and regularly had a band, playing the piano entertaining folks. A few people in the Nodaway area remember him for his talent, which began in Kansas City when he was 13. He’s been everywhere. When he returned to his neck of the woods, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen.
He could fix anything with a motor and took pride in doing so. He tuned pianos everywhere he went, including repairing one that Jerry Lee Lewis pounded. He said, “never again.” He and Kathleen lived in Barnard Senior Housing for the last years of their lives.
Mr. Sexson has been cremated under the care of Price Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Barnard Masonic Cemetery.
