BOBBY ALEXANDER

1933 - 2020

Bobby "Bob" Gene Alexander
July 24, 1933 - April 5, 2020

EDMOND
Bobby "Bob" Gene Alexander, was born on July 24 or 25, 1933 depending on the government or family version. He passed away after a very well lived life on April 5, 2020 at 86 3/4 years young. Bob was the oldest of two sons born to Samuel Houston and Pauline Rose (Coldren) Alexander. Born in Seminole, Oklahoma, he graduated from Beecher City High School in Beecher City, Illinois before enlisting in the United States Air Force to serve in the Korean War. After completing his time in the service, Bob graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1959 with a B.S. degree in Geological Engineering. A third-generation oilman, Bob began his oil and gas career at Dowell as a Frac Engineer. Over his storied 60 year career, Bob steadily rose the ranks in the industry (to name a few: Dowell, Tenneco, Moran Drilling, Basin Petroleum, Reserve Oil & Gas, National Energy Group, Sandridge, Chesapeake Energy, Oklahoma Energy Commission, OERB, Transatlantic Energy, and CVR Energy) and initially culminated with founding his own company, Alexander Energy Corporation, which he managed the helm of for 16 years before selling his company prior to his first retirement. Retirement didn't suit Bob, so he soon returned a few years later to his beloved profession as the CEO and Chairman of the Board for National Energy Group. Eight years later, he oversaw the sale of the company and embraced his second retirement. Again, his passion called him back from retirement. For another 14 years, Bob served the industry he loved through numerous board of directorships, mentorships, consulting work, and public speaking events. Bob wasn't just defined by his oil and gas career. His family jokingly referenced several other occupations Bob held: "I'm Bob, of course I'm right;" Moose, everyone at Oak Tree knew and revered the Moose so don't challenge or question his rules; and Coach - no matter the professional job commitment, he never let work get in the way of coaching his sons. His grandkids affectionately remembered him with one-word descriptions: James described Grandpa Bob as passionate; Caitlin described GrandBob as proud; and Devin described GrandBob as exultant. Anyone who knew Bob, knew he was an avid sports enthusiast. He was a faithful Sooner, Cardinals and Rangers fan. He was also known to cheer for other teams depending on who they were playing against. Bob was also an athlete in his own right, setting numerous high school records for basketball and baseball. Fiercely competitive and adamantly fair, he instilled his love for sports in those around him. Besides his love for sports, he was an excellent card player - specifically Gin Rummy. He was notorious for playing cards to "earn" his gas money for road trips whether with buddies at the club or his house. Obviously, Bob had a wide range of skills and pastimes. One such skill that shocked and amazed his sons was his ability to dance. He could jitterbug! Bob was an excellent dancer and tore up the dance floor with Donna. A favorite pastime for Bob was driving the "Beast" on the open road with his co-pilot Donna. Bob and Donna collected miles, memories and milkshakes on all their road adventures. Friends and family were regaled with stories from their latest adventures. And, a foodie before it was cool, Bob loved BBQ, ice cream and French butter, and always had his sidekick Levi Garrett with him. Connections ran deep for Bob. One such connection was with his best golf buddy, Leon Spraggins. A few years after knowing each other, Bob and Leon discovered that they had been on the same ship coming back from Korea years before ever meeting. Leon would often remind Bob that he was the one that brought him home. Nineteen years apart and within an hour, Bob passed away on the same date as his best golf buddy. Bob had a strong connection with his "unadopted son" Bob Kite who he served on boards with and shared several adventures. Some of the stories are censored, but the rest are public record. Another one of those connections was his energy industry colleague Malone Mitchell. Bob advised and collaborated with Malone on numerous projects, was a close friend, and considered family. Bob and Malone enjoyed a truly unique business and personal friendship. Surviving Bob to carry on his legacy is his beloved family - the DNA ran deep. Bob was married to the love of his life, Donna Kay Alexander, for 36 years (what a ride - better together). He was the proud father of Roger Gene Alexander (Jaime) of Miramar Beach, FL and Rory Lee Alexander (Karen) of Austin, TX; Grandpa Bob to Joni Ayn Alexander (Dr. Stephen Cushion) of Cardiff, Wales, UK; Grandpa Bob to James Roark Alexander of Bellingham, WA; GrandBob to Caitlin Bell Alexander of Austin, TX; GrandBob to Devin Lee Alexander of Austin, TX; Great-Grandpa Bob to James Alexander Cushion and Catherine Alexander Cushion; big brother by 18 months to Don Alexander (Mary Ann) of La Quinta, CA; and uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Ever the optimist, Bob saw the good in every detail, every person and in the world. In lieu of flowers during these uncertain times and as a tribute to Bob, please consider an act of kindness for your family and/or community to ease their burdens. Due to Coronavirus, services are pending.