Richard H. Alexander

CHARLESTON, IL – Richard H.Alexander, age 91 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at theOdd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon.  Hisearthly body will be cremated and Richard's request that there be no visitationor services will be honored by his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.

 Richard was born inCharleston, Illinois on December 5, 1921, the son of the late Walton G. andOlive L. (Boulware) Alexander and the grandson of John W. and JosephineAlexander.  He married Elizabeth Watersin 1969 and was blessed with 38 years of a wonderful marriage and friendshipbefore her death in December of 2007 in Arizona.  Following her death, Richard moved toTuscola, Illinois where their son, Anthony "Tony" Alexander and wife Dianne andtheir family live.  Richard has threedaughters from a previous marriage who still survive, Josephine Walters, GleeHelms and Candice Schnorff.  He is alsosurvived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Richard graduated fromCharleston High School – Class of 1939, and from the University of Illinois in1942.  He enlisted in the Army in 1942following the attack on Pearl Harbor and served his country for six yearsduring World War II with one year in the South Pacific.  Upon his return to Charleston, Richardorganized an Army Reserve Unit in Charleston and served 20 years, retiring asan Infantry Captain.  He later spentseven years as an Instructor of Marketing at Eastern Illinois University. 

Richard's family owned andoperated a number of retail stores in Charleston and Mattoon includingAlexander's Department Store, Alexander's 5¢ - $1 Store, Alexander Brokerage,Alexander Interiors and the Smart Alex Shoppe. He and sister Myra L. Ingram owned and operated the stores for a numberof years before closing them upon their retirements. 

Richard experienced manyaccomplishments in his life-time but he always affirmed that the 38 years heenjoyed with Betsy at his side remained the best years of his life.