David Alexander

On Friday, the 11th of February, retired 1SG David Alexander passed away at age 66 from a stroke at Eastern New Mexico Medical center. David is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rose Alexander, his daughter Melissa, age 32, his son, Sean, age 24, his grandson, Asher, age 2, and his brother, Jerry, age 64. David is preceded in death by his brothers Bob and Bill, his sister Pat, and his mother Lois. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews and the many members of his wife’s family. He was born in Ada, Oklahoma and spent his childhood in Southeastern, NM. He joined the army at age 17 and served his country in the 101st, 173rd, and 82nd Airborne Army Divisions for over 20 years. He served his country proudly in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1966, 1967, and 1968. During his Vietnam deployment he earned the Bronze Star with valor for bravery in battle. After retiring from the military in 1981, he began teaching at Albuquerque High School, where he spent 10 years as a JROTC Instructor. He and his family moved to Roswell in 1991 where he began his final career as a Leadership Education and Training instructor in the JROTC department at New Mexico Military Institute. During his time at NMMI, he coached the color guard team, organized and ran the annual drill meet, and taught over two thousand cadets. His cadets loved him and many of them continued to keep in touch with him over the years. David was an extraordinary man who loved his family, served his country, and helped shape the lives of many young people. His favorite times were those he spent in the mountains, fishing with his family. He loved building things and working with his hands, telling jokes, debating politics, and calf roping. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 17th at 1 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Roswell with Dr. Hugh Burroughs officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Sean Alexander, Asher Jones Witt, Jerry Alexander, Howard Cotton Patton, and Floyd Bell. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com. Arrangements are under the directions of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

David Alexander

October 13, 1944 - February 11, 2011