John M. Sexton died at 58 in 1967, a nationally known educator who first gained prominence as an athlete and coach. Locally, Sexton was head football coach at St. Petersburg High and principal of Southside Junior High School and Northeast High School. He also served in county administrative positions. He spoke to national education groups and was invited to conferences in Washington by presidents Eisenhower and Johnson. Sexton's son, Dennis, was longtime CEO of All Children's Hospital.