William L. Alexander

1933 - 2018

WILLIAM (BILL) L. ALEXANDER
September 27, 1933 - October 16, 2018

Bill Alexander (aka Alex, The Boss, and Pop in later years) died on October 16, 2018 from Alzheimer's Disease.  He fooled us for a long time, suffering far longer than anyone knew, even before Toya passed in 2009, whose death affected him deeply.  Pop was a deeply spiritual person, though private with his spirituality.

Those fortunate to have known Pop know he was gentle and tender soul.  He'll be deeply missed.

Pop was born on September 27, 1933 in Rolla, Missouri, raised in Lexington. His mother died when Pop was three years old. His father passed in about 1968. His three siblings - Kirby, Jodie, and younger sister Sue - also predeceased him.

Because Pop was raised by different family members, his life before California is mysterious. Pop attended Lexington High in Missouri. He was an exceptional athlete, excelling at running back, sprinter, and outfielder. After high school he is believed to have attended Wentworth Military Academy nearby and then enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Pop moved to Bakersfield in 1955 and married Patty Green on July 12, 1957. Daughter, Toya, was born on July 22, 1958 (and died on May 26, 2009 from inflammatory breast cancer). Billy was born the following year. Pop worked in heavy construction for many years, primarily building freeways and roads as a member of Operating Engineers, Local 12. He worked his way up from a grade checker and surveyor to a superintendent on the Alaska pipeline in the 1970s. In 1976, Pop changed careers, becoming a baker and opening Alex's Donuts. After surviving colorectal cancer in about 1995, Pop retired and began working even more by taking care of all the family's tasks and projects.

Pop loved fitness and athletics. He held many records at Babe's Gym such as 64 behind-the-neck pull-ups and deadlift of 505 pounds, all after the age of 40. He loved playing and watching golf, especially Phil and Larry, lefthanders like Pop. He enjoyed water skiing and boating. Pop also coached baseball for many years.

Pop, and usually Fro, Strick and Fletch, BBQ'd for many charitable events. Pop could not say no to a person in need.

Pop is survived by his wife of 61+ years, Patty; son, Billy (Suzy), grandchildren Will, Juliana, and Analisa; grandson Mark Alexander (Angie), and great-grandsons Irie and Enzo; grandson Alex Harraka; and granddaughter, Annie Harraka. Pop is also survived by many loving friends.

A celebration of Pop's life will be held on Saturday November 10, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., at the World Records Dream Theater, 2815 F Street, Bakersfield, CA. Please no gifts or donations, but please bring an appetite, thirst, and lots of goodwill and stories. Dress casually and comfortably.