Mendel M. Sexton, 65, of Columbia, Kentucky, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Medical Center of Franklin in Franklin, Kentucky

He was born September 3, 1960, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late James Howard and Mary Rosaline Reece Sexton.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Brandon “Bubba” Sexton on February 15, 2026.

Mendel professed his faith in Christ and was baptized in 1974 and attended Columbia Christian Church.  He was a businessman owning and operating Russell County Kwik Lube and a partner in Adair County Kwik Lube.  He was an avid U.K. and Adair County Sports fan and was proud of the many softball teams that he had the honor of mentoring and coaching over the years.  He was a member of Columbia Lodge #96 and a former firefighter with Columbia-Adair County Volunteer Fire Department.

Mendel was witty, caring, loved traveling, making memories with his family and friends and when at home spoiling his fur babies, Hamilton, Smokie, Pope and Butch.  Above all, Mendel loved the Lord and served him daily.

Survivors include:

His wife – LaGene Stephens Sexton of Columbia

His children – Bradley Sexton (Nikki) of Laurel, Maryland, Meridith Lee (Jordan) of Columbia and Jessica Sexton of Columbia

His siblings – Mark Sexton (Alison) of Bowling Green, Sonja Reeder (Perry) and Bruce Sexton (Shannon) all of Columbia

Four grandchildren – Kallen Sexton, Treyton Gist (Katelyn), Austin Gist and Corbin Lee

One great-grandchild – Reed Gist and expecting the second great-grandchild in September

Several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his care-giver, Peggy Bunch

Funeral service – Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Martin and Bro. John Davis officiating

Burial in Haven Hill Cemetery

Visitation after 10:00 A.M. Saturday

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the WHAS Crusade for Children, the Adair County Animal Shelter or Gideon Bibles

Casket Bearers – Kallen Sexton, Austin Gist, Treyton Gist, Tyler McKinney, Lee Stephens, Trey Stephens

Honorary – His Russell County Kwik Lube Crew - Jonathan McBeath, Harry Stapleton, Nick Blankenship, Josh Chu, Brysen Hodge, Mike Russell, Cody Vest, Blake Flatt, Jared Stephens, David Johnson, Joe Peters

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements