John was born on August 13, 1942, in Oklahoma City to John P. (Jake) Alexander, Jr. and Edith I. Gibbs. John spent most of his early years growing up in Oklahoma City, but a small part of his childhood was spent with his Minnum and Grandpa in San Benito, Texas, where he enjoyed an idyllic boyhood.
After high school, John served four years in the U.S. Navy, primarily in South East Asia. After returning to Oklahoma City, John met the love of his life, Carolyn, who was captured by his charm, easy smile, intelligence, and twinkling blue “Alexander eyes.” They were married on July 1, 1972. John and Carolyn lived in Houston, Texas, for 33 years where John worked for the Veterans Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and as a tax consultant. Their much-loved son, John Michael Alexander, was born in 1981 completing their small family.
At the center of John's life was his immediate family. He adored his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, he spoke often of his pride in their accomplishments, and always looked forward to the next visit with John Michael and his family.
John was an outdoor person. He especially enjoyed fishing trips and was always optimistic that his next cast would bring in a big one. John also liked working in the yard, the companionship of a faithful dog, and helping others whenever he could. John had a lifelong love of music, especially early rock and roll and Motown. He played his music loud whether he was in the house, in the yard, or in the car, and he enjoyed dancing and singing along. Other hobbies included reading, especially books written by Louis L'Amour, grilling, martial arts, working out, and watching University of Oklahoma football games. He was a Christian and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
John was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Thurlene Alexander, and nephew Steve Graber. He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Carolyn; his beloved son, John Michael Alexander and wife Elisa Bartolini; cherished grandchildren, Mirko Alexander and Amelia Mae Alexander; sister, Ann Vaughn; brother, Gary Alexander and wife Betty; nieces Lori Graber and Sofi Johansson; and nephew Darrell McClary. Loved by many, John will be greatly missed.
A graveside service for John will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.
Serving as pallbearers are John Michael Alexander, Eric Chandler, Shaun Martin, Craig Mays, Jeff Mays, Matt Mays, Darrell McClary, Wayne Nguyen and Leo Steele.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance, 720 W. Wilshire Blvd #109, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116 US, https://oklahomapa.org/donate/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Alexander family.
