submitted
OTTUMWA —
Harry R. Alexander, 80, of 1532 W. Finley, died at 10:45 p.m. February 5, 2013 at Ridgewood Nursing & Rehab Center.
He was born May 29, 1932 in Ottumwa to William E. “Elic” and Myrtle Sapp Alexander. He married Janice Bainbridge on July 12, 1953.
A 1950 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Harry worked for 22 years at John Morrell & Co. and owned and operated Sport-A-Bout. He served as administrator for SEIDA and CETA, and worked with Wapello County Relief.
He was instrumental in advocating for betterment of Ottumwa being a liaison between city and national political leaders. He was an organizer for GOLD, Greater Ottumwa Labor Development.
Harry was a member of Davis St. Christian Church, Past Exalted Ruler and member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge #347, and a member of Empire Masonic Lodge #269 A.F. & A.M. He served as a Boy Scout leader and coached National Little League and National Babe Ruth League.
Surviving is his wife, Janice; his four children, Diane (John) Williams of Grimes, Russell Alexander of Centerville, Doug (Rose) Alexander of Ottumwa and Annette (Marvin) Wilson of Ankeny; 3 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; 15 step-great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Alexander.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Miller officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Visitation begins at 11 a.m. Friday. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home followed by family visitation until 8:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society, PO Box 1149, Ottumwa, IA 52501.
