The Rev. Dr. Don H. Alexander

Don was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 13th, 1939, to Wm. H. ‘Bill’ and Charlsie Perdue Alexander. He grew up in Oklahoma City, and attended school at Edgemere and Wilson Elementaries, Classen High School, and graduated from John Marshall High School where he embraced his natural gift of leadership and served as Class President. He briefly attended the University of Missouri and became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity before returning home to the University of Oklahoma, where he received his B.A. degree in 1961.

He served as Youth Director at First Christian Church of Norman, Oklahoma, and then attended the Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. At Yale, he earned his B.D. and Master of Sacred Theology from 1961-1965, and in 1996, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary.

While attending seminary at Yale, he served as Associate Minister at the First Congregational Church of Hamden, Connecticut, before pastoring at First Christian Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Kelly Avenue Christian Church in Oklahoma City. In 1972, Don became the Senior Minister at First Christian Church of Oklahoma City, where he led the congregation for 30 years until retiring in 2002.

He was deeply involved in his community, providing prayers and invocations as a member of Men’s Dinner Club, Fortune Club, Kiwanis, and many other organizations. Fellow speaker, Charlton Heston, declared he had never experienced another invocation receive a standing ovation.

When the Alfred P. Murrah federal building was bombed in 1995, he offered his church as a family disaster relief center. While awaiting word of their loved ones, the community was provided food, shelter, and support. Don offered words of comfort, quoted around the world, stating “One moment of insanity should not define our humanity.”

In August 1960, Don married the love of his life, Judy Hill. They shared 65 years of devotion, partnership, and unwavering support. Judy was his truest helpmate throughout his ministry. Together, they raised two children: son, Eric Alexander, and daughter Annlynn Buchanan — his loving caretaker in his final months.

His greatest delight came in being “Poppy” to his grandchildren, Haley Brooke and Alexander Michael. Their laughter and love were his deepest joy.

Don’s love for nature, especially the mountains, was constant throughout his life. In 1980, he built a small and secluded mountain cabin in Lake City, Colorado. He cherished sharing the tranquil views and peaceful atmosphere with his family and countless friends.

Don was a pilot, a captivating storyteller, and a published author. He wrote the book, “Isn’t That What We’re Supposed to Believe,” and also wrote a western trilogy about the mining districts of Colorado.

He enjoyed the camaraderie of golfing, men's poker group with dear friends, watching and attending OU games, playing bridge, and early years of softball, basketball, and bowling.

After retirement, Don and Judy treasured opportunities to travel across the country. They returned to the East Coast for his 80th birthday, celebrating with his family and enjoying lobster rolls at Jimmy’s of Savin Rock, Connecticut.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Don were astounded by his intelligence and remarkable memory. He could recite almost anything, and especially loved sharing poetry and stories with his loved ones. His voice was beautiful, his smile was bright, and his laugh was truly contagious. His love for life, people, and God were evident to all who knew him.

After losing his parents in a plane crash in 1960, Don was inspired and comforted by the words of his father regarding eternal life: “I eagerly await the adventure of it.” These words now bring comfort to all of us, as well.

He carried on his parents’ traditional and conservative love of God, family, faith, and freedom. We are thankful for his freedom from discomfort, yet we will miss him dearly. Oh God, we know You have received him with open arms of love, so, rest in peace, dearest one.

Preceded in death by his father, Reverend Dr. Wm. H. “Bill” Alexander (Mary Louise “Mickey”); mother, Charlsie Maureen Hulett (Frederick Marshall Hulett); his mother-in-law, Orma Margaret (Thomas Ray); his father-in-law, Burl William Hill; his brother, Reverend Dr. Ralph Jon Alexander; and cherished neighbors and lifelong friends, Sam and Nadia Shadid.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his son, Eric Alexander (Star); his daughter, Annlynn Buchanan; grandchildren, Haley Buchanan and Alexander Buchanan (Hannah) ; his brother and family: Frederick Marshall Hulett III (Dianne Fishwild, Rena, and James); sisters and family: Anne Burgeson (George Goetzman, Taylor, Sonja, Rosie, and Jennie, Murl, Elsie, Milo); Jan and Vernon McDaniel (Christopher, Christy, Piper, Martie, and Keri, Matt, Connor, Katie); Melody Chappell (Megan, Julian, Marshall); sister-in-law, Nancy Coyle Alexander; stepbrothers, Jim Ray (Sharyl), and Bob Ray (Barbara Stoldt).

To all who knew Don, he was a bright light—a man of intellect, warmth, humility, and unwavering faith. His life was a blessing. His memory will be a never-ending inspiration and treasure.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at Hahn-Cook Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, October 13th at 3:00 pm.