Born in Plainview, Neb. on June 11, 1931, Donald Alexander has passed away peacefully, Sept. 4, 2018 in Reno, Nev.

He was the husband of his late wife Jeanette Alexander, father of Debra Edwards, Shelley Brown, Bonnie Pearce and Scott Alexander; grandfather of Tony Edwards, Jill Edwards, Jennifer Steele, Jeremy Sage, Matt Brown, Jeanette Cruz, Scott Brown, Nicholas Alexander, Russell Alexander, Taylor Alexander, Brandon Richards, Brittany Richards and; a great grandfather to many, and truly blessed to become a great-great grandfather.

As a young boy, his family moved to the Pacific Northwest. In 1949, Babe graduated from Oak Harbor High School and became a part of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950-1953. He married his late wife Jeanette Alexander, May 29, 1953. Working at the local Shell Refinery, as they expanded their family, welcoming their four children.

Shortly after their youngest was born, they made the decision to move to Aurora, Colo., with Jeanette’s family. Babe worked there at Phillip 66, an auto shop. Life brought them back to the Pacific Northwest, moving back to Whidbey Island. The place they’d call home for the long run.

Babe worked for Copeland Lumber Company and then, after spending many years working as the Island building inspector, he retired as building director. A man, well known to his community.

Babe and Jeanette retired to Leavenworth, Wash., later moving to Yuma, Ariz. They eventually sold their home and moved back to the island to be closer to family, where they’d live until Jeanette’s passing. Babe got to have one last grand adventure, moving to Fallon, Nev.

Babe was a kind, loving, patient and dedicated family man. He loved sharing memories, history and learning more about his family’s ancestry, which he enjoyed sharing with all of us. The man of many stories; what a blessed life he lived. Giving advice and putting things into perspective.

The love of black coffee, making pan-sized “hotcakes” for his grandchildren, bologna sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, his dogs and traveling; spending many years traveling with the love of his life, Jeanette.

Saying goodbye is never easy, and although we will miss him so deeply, knowing he is reunited with his loved ones gives us peace.

A graveside service and celebration of life will be held in the spring. The family will share more information at a later date.