With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Thomas Richard Sexton (Tom / T. T.) on July 19, 2026, at the age of 66. He was born on Dec. 28, 1959, in Slayton, Minn., to Joyce and William Sexton and grew up in Wayzata, Minn. He had also resided in Los Angeles, Calif., Lake Tahoe, Nev., Miami, Fla., and Nashville, Tenn., where he passed away unexpectedly following complications post brain surgery leaving a void that can never be filled. Tom lived with an immense devotion to giving and caring for others, truly believing, “Before your last day, change someone’s today” which he has done by being an organ donor.
In remembering Tom, there is gratitude in knowing what you give, lives on so his kindness and compassion will be forever felt. He knew what you needed when you needed it making you feel special. Tom was so uniquely Tom and beautiful inside and out. He didn’t need to be the loudest in the room but was always the one people wanted to hear, be entertained by and laugh with. He was an effortlessly funny comedic genius with imitations and antics that will keep our hearts laughing forever. His favorite place on earth was his ranch in Wyoming where he was an avid fly fisherman. Having been a competitive water skier and freestyle snow skier, he also felt most at home on his favorite lakes and mountains. He was a talented musician with an envious guitar and amplifier collection loving rock and roll and country music. His musical legacy will live on through his multiple recordings for all to treasure. May he enjoy Hostess Cupcakes, handfuls of chocolate chips, Junior Mints and Cocoa Puffs into eternity.
More than anything, Tom was loving and altruistic desiring to help people and give others a chance. He enjoyed and was devoted to time with family and his friends all over the world. He never missed a gig, birthdays or holidays, most often getting to celebrate his birthday with family in lieu of the date. Tom was a dreamer and never stopped hoping he could set the world on fire…. and we now hope he knows he did. He set our hearts afire. He was adored. As a son he “never caused a spec of trouble” and was his parents darling little Tommy Tittlemouse with a big heart and easy going, loving nature, and they admired his compassion for others. His love for his parents was magnanimous. As a brother, he enjoyed teasing and the keeping of many inside jokes. He was a very best friend showing his adoration which was returned to him. A comrade who would do anything to help, guide, and teach. As a nephew, he was adored, funny and a dear friend. As an uncle, he was playful, witty, hilarious and grounding - a safe place. To his entire family and friends, he was loyal and made the effort to express his gratefulness and love, writing long personal notes in greeting cards that left not a dry eye. He was an admired inspiration to everyone who knew and loved him and the best friend any person could ever dream of having. His fun-loving spirit will be felt in full force for the rest of everyone’s lives.
Tom graduated from Wayzata High School in the class of 1978, earning the class award of “best hair.” He continued to the University of Colorado, Boulder where he made countless more friends, graduating in 1984. He landed in Los Angeles, Calif., for many years seeking acting roles and almost landed the role of Woody in Cheers. After repping in the water sports industry, he owned and operated a successful company called Wet Technologies. From LA, he moved his business to Reno, Nev., while living in the Lake Tahoe area. Here, he continued Wet Tech until he decided to pursue his lifelong dreams and settled between his homes of Minneapolis and Nashville. Having his family and friends as his biggest fans for his whole life, Tom finally followed his true passion of performing and began creating pop country albums at age 53. He met many phenomenal musicians along the way, many who became mentors and dear friends.
Several of his songs made the Billboard Country Music Chart with one hitting #44! He continued creating music until the angels greeted him. We wish we could see the angel’s faces when they hear his sweet voice sing.
Tom is survived by his parents, Joyce and William Sexton; siblings, Jim Sexton (Paula), Jennifer Sexton Ornburg (Mark Scozzafava), Mats Sexton (Rich Rhodes); Significant Other, Charle’ Nielsen; Uncle, Richard and Aunt Brenda Sexton; nephews and nieces, Will Sexton, Aubrey Sexton Peebles (Wes) (great nephew Jackson), William Ornburg (Stephanie), Tommy Ornburg, one of his best friends, Jeffrey Ornburg, and countless other incredible, loyal, funny friends.
Tom was very grateful for the life he lived and all the wonderful people who enriched it. Thank you for your love, friendship and kind words.
Visitation/wake was from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata, MN. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 13505 Excelsior Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN with a visitation one hour prior. Live stream of Funeral Mass: IHM-CC.org
Preferred attire: Western meets Rock / denim and boots encouraged
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to your charity of choice which will change
www.davidleefuneralhome.com.
