Donald Earl Alexander

With heavy hearts, the family of Donald E. Alexander announces his passing on September 6, 2008 at Reid Hospital. Our beloved husband, father and grandfather died after fighting a courageous battle against complications from surgery followed by three strokes suffered in May, 2001. Donald was born 3/30/1924 to Guy and Lua Alexander, at their home in Muncie, Indiana. He was a kind gentle outdoorsman who loved spending hours in his Michigan tree nursery on Six Mile Lake. He was an avid traveler and enjoyed many world trips with his wife, Jean, prior to his illness. He was a nationally known collector of Roseville Pottery and wrote the book Roseville Pottery for collectors, which is, still, sold today. He spoke fluent French, loved to read and work on his computer. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1941. He earned a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute, in Terre Haute, IN, taking his last three semesters at Purdue University in the V12 officer training program offered by the Navy. He was Chief Engineer on the USS Hobby and the USS Campbell during World War II. From 1946 to 1951, Donald worked at Richmond Steel Service, Inc. as a foreman, engineer and welder. From 1951 to 1953, he was senior process Engineer at the Crosley Division, Richmond, Indiana, of AVCO Manufacturing Corporation. In 1953 he joined Moto-Mower, Inc., Divisions of Dura Corporation as Product Planning Manager, Plant Superintendent and Chief Inspector until 1961. From there, he was General Manager in Plant Manager of Moto-Mower of Canada Division of Dura Corporation in Ingersoll Ontario, a manufacturer in power mowers, snow throwers and garden tillers. In June 1966, he became the Assistant to Vice President at the Dura Division of Walter Kiddie in Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained for two years. Following his career in engineering, he became President of World Life and Accident Association, in Richmond, IN. At the same time, he also founded World Central, Inc., a data processing service for firms in Wayne and Preble Counties. He retired in 1982, but returned to World Life in 1989, due to his successful settlement of a lawsuit. He continued, there, until 2001. Don is survived by his beloved wife, caregiver and best friend, Jean, whom he married on March 10, 1984 and his adoring children, Debi, Shari, Anne and Denis. He was the proud grandfather of Cole, Josh, Grant, Michelle, Dalton, Jacob and A.J. He always was a patient, loving Grandpa who loved sharing his hobbies and wonderful Michigan home with them. Left, also, with his wonderful memory are his son-in-law, Bill Strange (Anne’s husband) and daughter-in-law, Heather Celleghin (Denis’ wife). Blair Hodowal, (Debi’s husband) and Neil Killion, (Shari’s husband), and Keith, his son preceded him in death. Other survivors include, Sarah Rankin and Family, Cambridge City, IN, brother, Warren and wife Nancy of Pittsford, New York, brother Jim and wife Mary of Dallas, TX, step-sister, Dorothy Helen Gordon and granddaughters, Trisha Ogden and Yvonne McKay. Don will be missed by the members of First Friends Church and the Noon Optimist Club of which he was the only charter member remaining. His family will never forget his humor, his laugh, his love and his beautiful blue eyes. His spirit will be with us, always. Visitation for Donald E. Alexander will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Indiana. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Gwyn officiating. In his memory, donations can be made to: St. Clair-Six Mile Lake Natural Area, GTRLC, 3860 N. Long Lake Road, Suite D, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Donald Earl Alexander

March 30, 1924 - September 6, 2008