Rev. Dr.Edwin Alexander

Edwin Wilson Alexander passed from this life into the loving arms of his Savior on Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, student, pastor, administrator, athlete, explorer; he led a remarkable life.

Dr. Alexander was born May 25, 1934 in Greenville, Pennsylvania, the first born son of Philip Wilson and Dorothy (Reinhart) Alexander. He and his five siblings grew up "on the farm", learning early the necessity and value of hard work. That hard work and his drive to learn helped him excel at everything he did, including caring for his Jersey cattle and raising crops. As a result, he won many local, regional and statewide awards through 4-H and FFA. During his senior year, he was named one of three "Star Farmers" in the state of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Stoneboro (PA) High School in 1952.

He married Shirley Clark on March 13, 1954. They began their life together farming the Alexander Homestead Farm in Mercer County, a farm that has been in the Alexander family since 1789 (and still is today). In 1956, Ed (and Shirley) had a significant spiritual experience and began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that continues today. That relationship with Jesus anchored his life and oriented his purpose. Dr. Alexander felt a call to full-time Christian service and began the process of preparation to become a minister. That preparation lead to his ordination as a minister of the gospel in the Wesleyan Church. Over the years, Dr. Alexander pastored churches in Mississippi, Indiana, Kansas and Pennsylvania. In addition, he worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

His passion for older people eventually lead to his becoming a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. He saw that work as another expression of his call to full-time Christian service. He was a skilled administrator who was loved by both his residents and his staff. As a result, he was asked to "turn around" care facilities in a variety of places. Being absolutely committed to quality care, he never backed away from the challenge. Over the second half of his working life, he was the Administrator of facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Ed was an immensely curious person and the definition of a "life long learner". That curiosity led him to pursue education with a passion. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salem (Ohio) Bible College, a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy from Kansas State University. In addition, he completed Clinical Pastoral Education programs at LaRue Carter Psychiatric Hospital (Indianapolis, Indiana) and at the Menninger Foundation (Topeka, Kansas).

His curiosity also drove him to explore and to travel. He and his wife, Shirley, worked hard to find the resources and time to travel. They loved Europe and went there many times. Ed and Shirley took their grandchildren to Europe, more than once renting a Volkswagon bus and serving as "tour guides" for the grandkids. Over the years, they were blessed to travel to over 60 countries around the world.

Ed was a good athlete in high school participating in basketball and baseball for his beloved Stoneboro Cardinals. He loved to tell stories of playing baseball with the Greenville Merchants "town team" of the 1950s. At the age of 44, he decided to "get in shape". That began a 36-year career in running and triathlons that provided him great joy, countless friends and significant success. In addition to competing in hundreds of running events from the 800 meters to the marathon, Dr. Alexander competed in 156 triathlons. He represented the United States in track and field at the World Masters Championships on several occasions. One of his fondest memories was racing in Olympic Stadium in Rome. He represented the United States and USAT at World Championships on nine occasions in Gold Coast, Australia; Hamburg, Germany; Sader, Sweden; Maderia Island, Portugal; Perth, Australia; Lausanne, Switzerland; Honolulu, Hawaii; Edmonton, Canada; and Budapest, Hungary. His last international competition was at the age of 74 in Budapest. His silver medal at the World Long-Course Championships in Sweden was his highest international placing.

Dr. Alexander is survived by his wife Shirley and their five children and spouses, all of the Kansas City area: Ron (Susie) Alexander, Rhonda (John) Mundy, Roxanne Alexander Jones, Roger (Linda) Alexander and Renee (David) Riley. In addition, he is survived by nine grandchildren and their spouses: Allison (Clayton) Richardson, John (Darcie) Mundy, Barrett Alexander, Tyler (Kelley) Alexander, Ethan (Erica) Alexander, Emily (Eric) Grusenmeyer, Chandler (Caroline) Riley, Logan Alexander, AnnMarie Riley and one great grandchild: Bryn Mundy.

According to his wishes, Dr. Alexander was cremated. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 4:00 PM, Thursday, September 1, 2016. The service will take place at Grace Church, 159th and Antioch in Overland Park, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Nazarene Theological Seminary (1700 East Meyer Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64131) or to Oak Grove Church (10 Oak Grove Road, Mercer, Pennsylvania 16137).