Ned Alexander

Sunrise: May 12, 1935

Sunset: Dec. 25, 2016

Ned was born on a crisp and beautiful spring afternoon on May 12, 1935. He grew up a precious young lad in an all-male family in the deep P ineywoods of Lufkin, Texas. Those who knew Ned well during his lifetime would tell you he loved to liv e life to its fullest. His life story affirms that this he did. Eighty-one years later on December 25 th , Ned died while holding the hand of his beloved granddaughter. Upon his passing, she sang his favorite hymn as he was surrounded by the love of those he lived for and laughed with.

The years 1954-55 were remarkable in memory. He graduated from Hudson High School, m arried his childhood sweetheart , moved to Houston and enrolled at the University of Houston, armed only with dreams, devotion and dedication.

Following a family trait he sought and was employed in the transportation industry. He was hired as a dock worked by McLean Transportation Company. With time, he advanced to other positions—warehouse chief, dispatcher and finally a full-fledge local driver. Because of the numerous and strong competitors involved, his company was elated when he won Houston's Top Road- eo Driver. Following 30 years of service, he retired from McLean at age 50.

Ned's enduring faith, love of people and outgoing spirit allowed him to wear many hats, and they all fit well. Having served for years in the Church, his quest for deeper commitment was answered when he entered seminary to become a second-career pastor. He was finally answering God's call in his life. His service in the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church included pastorates in Durkee , Rose Garden, Shepherd and Goodrich churches. He retired from active ministry in 1997.

He thoroughly enjoyed constructing a houseboat, driving moto boats, camping and water skiing, and these were but a few of his interests. For fifty-plus years, Ned was a member of the Masonic Lodge. During his residency in Humble, Ned was very involved in the Humble Methodist Church; served as President of the Forest Cove Civic Club; was active in the Lion's Club, and supported any and all of the Humble I.S.D. activities. Later he focused on building a lake house on the shores of Lake Livingston. After retirement he relocated to Coldspring, Texas. He was active in his community and was elected as Mayor and served several terms as their leader. His primary focus however, remained serving God at the oldest church in Texas. Coldspring United Methodist Church.

Ned was preceded in death by his parents, Burtis and Midia Alexander, and his two brothers, Douglas and Edgar. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy continues in the hearts and souls of his loving and devoted daughter, Donna; grandchildren, Tianna and husband Matthew Hitchens; James Brandon Hall; Christina Rose Hall; great-grandchildren, Alexander Edward and Evelyn Rose Hitchens. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also share in his loss.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 21 st of January at the First United Methodist Church, 800 Main St. in Humble, Texas. Officiants will be Reverends Jim Flagg, John Barfield, Audrey Mitchell, and David Green. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family and share their fondest memories during a reception to be held in the adjacent Fellowship Hall.

In Ned's honor, the family respectfully requests any remembrances be directed to the Coldspring United Methodist Church, One Cemetery Road, Coldspring, Texas 77331; First United Methodist Church, 800 Main Street, Humble, Texas 77338; or Autumn Grove Cottage, 5500 Atascocita Road, Humble, Texas 77346.

The family will gather for a private interment at the Gann Memorial Cemetery, Lufkin, Texas, on Sunday afternoon, January 22, 2017.

Even in death, Ned continues to give. He gave his grieving family peace in one of his favorite scriptures, John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.." We find peace in our gratitude that God let us be loved by such a man for 81 years. We find peace in our memories of him, which encourage us to have the same faith, support, and love that he would have. We find peace in the knowledge that by his example and God's promise, we will see him once again.