Gordon Alexander

1935 - 2025

TROY - Gordon F. Alexander, of Troy, Ohio aged 89, passed away unexpectantly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Upper Valley Medical Center.

He was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on July 7, 1935, to the late Elwood and Rita Couvillion Alexander. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 58 years: Margaret K. Alexander, and his sister Mavis Alexander McKee.

Gordon will be dearly missed by his family and friends but never forgotten. His, was a life well-lived, well-traveled, full of love for family, friends, and country. He was a proud veteran of the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. We were all blessed by his warm compassionate personality, wisdom, and uncanny ability to see magic and power in the ordinary. To quote Gordon, "I connect with people, and inspire them to connect to the moments of their life that reveal beauty and truth."

Gordon is survived by three children: Madelyn Rose (Dr. Melchior) Vallone of San Diego, CA., Catherine Ann Thompson of South Pasadena, CA., and Karin Margaret (Mark) Hammond of Troy, OH. He adored his three grandchildren: Margaret Madelyn (Charles) Willkomm, Melanie Louise (Tod) Fontana and Peter Alexander Vallone. He cherished the special bond with his three great grandchildren: Ryan Peter (Kaelyn) Willkomm, Alexander Charles Willkomm and Madeline Grace Walpole; and recently celebrated his new great-great grandson: Lukas Jon Willkomm.

He began automotive work at the young age of 12 in his father's auto-shop. His mechanical talents, "can-do" attitude, and strong work ethic led him to a successful profession through the corporate ranks of the auto-manufacturing industry with a 31-year tenure at Volkswagen of America, followed by a position as a consultant for J.D. Power. Due to his keen insight, sense of humor, and people skills he earned the favor and ongoing friendship of many of his colleagues, in addition to being a respected mentor and positive influence to numerous people throughout his life.

A man of many interests and talents he enjoyed gardening and was a gourmet chef, especially when it came to New Orleans cuisine! Gordon enjoyed reading non-fiction and mysteries, reading over 1000 books. Since 2019 he has written over 200 poems and earned the title of "Midwest poet" with four published books from his Rhymes and Reflections series of poetry and proverbs. In 2022, Poetry Nation honored him by including one of his poems in a national collection recognizing poets from around the United States.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to his daughter, Karin and son-in-law, Mark Hammond, as well as his doctors, nurses, personal trainers, his long time Volkswagen friends and his friends in the larger Troy community for all of the loving care and friendship that enhanced his quality of life and supported his well-being these past years.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Troy with Fr. Eric Bowman as celebrant. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Troy. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday at the Baird Funeral Home, 555 North Market Street, Troy, OH, 45373.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.