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BORN
1928
DIED
2019
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CHARLES ALEXANDER Obituary
Charles Thomas Alexander
Professor emeritus, the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, passed away November 15, 2019 in Alexandria, VA at 91. A long-time Alexandria resident, he is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth Brown Alexander; daughters Elizabeth "Liza" Alexander Marshall (John) of Arlington, VA; Lucy Alexander Murphy (Braden) of Potomac, MD; grandchildren Charlie and Emma Marshall.Born in Minneapolis, MN on September 21, 1928 to Dr. Charles Thomas and Mary Stinson Alexander. His family home was in Mount Vernon IN. He received his BA from Duke University in 1950. After two years military service during the Korean War, Ft. Belvoir, VA, and two years studying at Boston University School of Theology, he obtained an MS from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He began his journalism career with the Washington Star (1956-61) as assistant city editor, followed by managing editor of the Wilmington (DE) Morning News and Evening Journal (1961-66), and editor and publisher of the Dayton (OH) Journal Herald. He returned to Washington, DC in 1975 as professor of journalism and director of the Medill News Service, retiring in 1994. He had a lifelong love of sports, music, theater, travel and the church, serving as elder of the Georgetown Presbyterian Church for over 30 years. A memorial service will be held at Georgetown Presbyterian Church Jan 4, 2020 at 2 pm. Interment in 2020 at Christ Church, St. Simon's Island, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 3115 P St., NW, Washington, DC 20007.
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Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES ALEXANDER
Daniel Roth
November 30, 2019
Charlie was very helpful during our DC quarter in 1981. He knew just about everyone, who to call in the Tennessee delegation, e.g....was the yin to Neil McNeil's yang. Remembered as smiling gentleman.
Kevin Baerson
November 25, 2019
This is very sad news, but it brought back great memories. Charlie had an enormous influence on so many young Medillians, myself included. He had a lot to do with why I came to DC for one quarter and never left. He was wise and patient, yet no-nonsense in a gentle way. Glad to see he lived such a long life -- if I can make 1/100th the difference in the world Charlie did, I will pass on smiling...
Lou Prato
November 25, 2019
Condolences to the entire Alexander family. I worked with Charlie for more than a decade at Northwestern's Washington program and we became friends. A professional of the highest order, and a nice man, too. RIP Charlie.
BILL WORTH
November 24, 2019
I worked for Charles when he became editor of The Journal Herald in Dayton. He was the consummate newspaper editor -- always fair, always demanding, always supportive of the reporters and editors who worked for him. Godspeed to Charles on his eternal journey
N. S.
November 22, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the family of Charles Alexander. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief. Psalm 94:17-19
Ann C.
November 22, 2019
I remember Mr. Alexander as a very kind man. He helped me get additional work-study funds when I was in the Medill Washington program in 1980. My condolences to his family.
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Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home1500 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22302
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