DONALD PAGE ALEXANDER

March 5, 1925 – February 26, 2025

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Faithful Friend. Don peacefully passed away in his sleep just 7 days shy of celebrating his 100th birthday after living with vascular dementia. He lives in the hearts of his loving family and friends.

Don was born at home in Ramapo Township, NY to Frank S. and Ruth C Alexander. Don was the middle brother of three and attended grade school in New York. Around age 15, the family moved to West Lafayette, IN where Don graduated high school in 1942. He attended Purdue University and eventually received his degree in Agricultural Engineering.

After two semesters, he decided the US Marine Corp might be a better option and completed bootcamp in San Diego. He was assigned to a Marine Air Wing and attended several schools before being assigned to an operating squad where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1945 Don served in the Admiralty Islands, Philippines, New Guinea, China and Hawaii and was honorably discharged.

While on leave at the Columbia Park pavilion in Lafayette, Don met the vivacious, petite Vera Cope. They married August 20, 1948 (and went on to celebrate 75 years of marriage in August 2023!!) In the following years they moved to Columbus, Ohio, built their home, and raised three children. In May 1952, Don began his 35-year career with North American Aviation (later known as Rockwell Intl.) He designed portions of military aircraft and performed project management for planes used in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. At retirement in 1987, he was the Project Engineer of all the OV-10A for US military, the OV-10 models for Germany, Venezuela, Thailand, and the Navy version with the infra-red electronic nose. During this career, he offered incredible leadership to our military and allies.

The family joined Broad St. Christian Church where Don served as an Elder and Director of Christian Education for 26 years. They then joined Northwest Christian Church and remained very active in their new church, contributing and serving in many roles. Don served on numerous committees, sponsoring a refugee family, and designing and/or building many church-related projects.

In his free time Don could be found on the golf course, in his workshop, bowling, or being active in his children's lives. Don and Vera loved to travel and saw much of the US by van or tent and enjoyed a cruise or two. Don was blessed with many wonderful friendships and gave easy hugs. He bestowed consistent love upon all he knew and was an example of faith, tenacity, patience, resilience, and a strong work ethic. He valued education, family, and fun. His most recent accomplishment in Dec 2024 was recognized by the Fraternal Order of Masons and acknowledged for 75 years of membership.

Preceded in death by parents: Frank S., Ruth (Chapman); wife, Vera C. Alexander and stepmother: Vera (Smith) Alexander; brother: Frank S Jr. (Barbara) Alexander; sister-in-law: Flora Lou Alexander; nephew: Stuart Alexander.

Survived by children: Brenda, Donald Jr., Brian (Koral); Grandson: Chase; Extended Family: Jaye (Amy), Alex (Megan), Annie Johnson; Jared, Seano,

Keyan Johnson; Jennifer, Chris, Liana, Logan Bordonaro; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 2:30pm at Northwest Christian Church. Visitation will begin one hour before. The service will be live streamed at https://northwestchristian.org . There will be a private family entombment at Union Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to O. R. Woodyard Co.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to:

Northwest Christian Church Mortgage Fund or your favorite charity.

He will be missed!

A special thanks to Capital City Hospice, the Forum, all of Don's family and

friends for their compassion, love and special care.