Charles Freeman Alexander Jr.

1921 - 2018

Charles Freeman Alexander, Jr.

- - Charles Freeman Alexander, Jr. (Alex) passed away recently from health complications due to a stroke he suffered several years ago. Alex will be remembered as a brilliant, kind, humorous, humble, fun-loving and non-judgmental man who believed in living life to the fullest.

Alex was born November 14, 1921, in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Pembroke Country Day College Prep School where he excelled in science. At the University of Michigan Alex met his wife, Juliet (Judy) Lindeman Alexander. He was affiliated with Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Alex graduated in 1943 with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Marine and Naval Engineering.

Following graduation, Alex attended Columbia University where he earned high honors at the Navy Midshipman's School and was chosen to instruct there. After sixteen months at Columbia, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier Lunga Point in the Pacific during World War II. Following his U.S. Navy service, he and Judy moved to California where he worked at the Atlas Diesel Engine Company in Oakland and the Naval Air Missile Test Center at Point Mugu.

In 1953, Alex accepted a job with Mercury Marine Corporation in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. From 1953 through 1983, he served as design and development engineer, vice president of engineering, and president of the company. He was key to many product innovations and is the holder of over 20 patents. Prior to becoming president of Mercury in 1977, Alex graduated from the advanced management program at Harvard University's School of Business Administration.

After retiring from Mercury, Alex and Judy moved to Lakeway, Texas where he became an owner and president of Austin Boats and Motors. He also served as a marine industry expert witness and engineering consultant during this time.

Alex's wife (Judy), his son (Dr. Charles F. Alexander III), and one grandson (Zachary) predeceased him. Alex is survived by his longtime partner, Rose Smiljanic of Fond du Lac, WI; daughters and sons-in-law: Wendy Alexander and Mark Woodward, Anne and Chris Pedersen, and Lori and Bob Michels; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren, his sister, Mary Ann Reitz of Austin, TX, and many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Arrangements by Cook-Walden/Capital Parks, 14501 N. IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. 512-251-4118