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Dr. Sexton Finishes His Course

By Rebecca Gehle

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Click Photo to Enlarge Dr. J. Franklin Sexton

Dr. J. Franklin Sexton, who taught history and humanities to thousands of Oral Roberts University students before his retirement in 1999, died Sunday, February 5. He was 77 years old.

Remembered by ORU alumni and friends as an outstanding educator and humanitarian, Sexton was honored with Faculty Emeritus status in May 1999.

Sexton and his wife Ruth were heavily involved in many facets of Oral Roberts University and the Tulsa community. Together they founded Humanities International, sponsoring more than 15 European humanities study tours for ORU students. In addition, Sexton was a member of the Oklahoma Historical Society and sponsor of the OU Scholar Leadership Enrichment Program.

Sexton was born Oct. 2, 1928, in Enfield, N.C. He received a bachelor's degree in theology from Holmes Theological Seminary in Greenville, S.C.

After marrying in 1954, the Sextons both attended Oklahoma City University, where he received a second degree, this time in history. He later earned a master's degree in history from the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Sexton's family is establishing the J. Franklin Sexton Scholarship Fund. All are welcome to contribute.