Stephen LeRoy Sexton was born on February 20, 1962. He was a birthday gift to his sister and brother who shared the same birthdate. His sister, Lori, had been born on February 20, 1957, and his brother, Tim, on February 20, 1959. They will later be gifted with another baby brother, Jeff, born on June 16, 1966. Stephen was born in Niles, Michigan and grew up in Buchanan, Michigan. He was known throughout his life as Steve, only recently requesting he be called Stephen—the name his mom had chosen for him at birth. Stephen entered the Gates of Heaven on September 7, 2024.

Stephen attended school in Buchanan, Michigan until his Freshman year of high school when his family moved west to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in 1981. During his high school years, Stephen was a proud member of the marching band as a drummer.

Stephen never went to college, never married, never had children, didn't join any branch of the US military, nor was he able to hold down a job. In jest, he didn't want anyone telling him what to do! But in reality, it was his lifelong struggle with mental illness that dictated Stephen's life paths. This infliction ultimately led to a lonely existence that was only made tolerable and brightened by the online connections he shared with others fighting the same battles.

Stephen moved with his parents to Utah in the late 80s where his parents opened a furniture refinishing business, Mr. Stripper. Stephen would sometimes assist them in stripping layers of paint from old pieces of furniture, so would joke that he worked as a "male stripper!" After the death of both parents, Stephen moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho to be cared for by his big brother and sister-in-law who quickly became Stephen's "person."

Stephen was passionate about the things he loved and the interests he had. First, and foremost, Stephen loved cats!! He spent nearly every waking hour of each day in a cat rescue chat room just watching cats and talking about them. Stephen loved music!! He especially loved hard rock and would still listen to the same radio station he enjoyed as a teenager. Stephen loved watching sports!! He was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and the Utah Jazz—an obvious tribute of the years he spent in each of those states. He would channel-surf to catch bits and pieces of football, basketball, and golf—all at the same time. Stephen loved pork!! Many nights during the week he would declare that for dinner he enjoyed a "lovely porkchop." Stephen loved "The Price is Right!!" He would record each episode as he watched it, just so he could re-watch it again later. Stephen loved the color purple!! His personal possessions included many things in various shades of the color—from shirts to towels to blankets … he even had a purple air fryer! And, lastly, Stephen loved rings!! Stephen wore a ring on every finger and was unable to pass the jewelry store inside Fred Meyer without stopping to admire others.

Stephen is survived by his only sister, Lori (Danny) Thompson of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; his brothers: Tim (Cathy) Sexton of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Jeff (Sharon) Sexton of Oak Creek, Colorado; his beloved cat, Marley; his feline niece, Pixie; 15 nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews; a special aunt, Janis Sexton of Buchanan, Michigan; 6 first cousins; childhood friends Allan Meyers and Marty Kay of Michigan; many FFRC friends around the globe; and the many hungry squirrels he religiously and lovingly fattened up.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents: Ramon and Joy Sexton; his maternal grandparents: LeRoy and Frances Holston; his paternal grandparents: Phil and Vera Sexton; and many beloved cats.

Stephen was the perfect example of a wonderful and loving person debilitated by mental health issues. In his memory and honor, reach out to someone you know struggling with any mental health affliction—offer a hand, a hug, or a bit of your time to sit and visit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Felines' Rescue Center in Defiance, Ohio online at Ways To Help (fofrescue.org) or to any mental health awareness program.

We will miss his wit, his quirkiness, his laugh, his "Eeyore" voice, his sound effects, his regimented schedule, and mostly his nightly calls at 8:00 PM—not 7:59 or 8:01, but predictably and punctually at 8:00 PM sharp!

Private family services will be held at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.