Royden E. Alexander's Obituary
Royden Edwin Alexander, beloved husband, father, Papa and friend, passed away on August 25, 2023, at the age of 87. He was surrounded by loved ones in his favorite place on earth, his home.
Royden was born on September 20, 1935, to Willie Hamilton and Zelma Fern Alexander in Freeport, Texas. After graduating from Longview High School in 1954, he completed several courses of college, and went on to serve loyally in the United States Army.
He married his sweetheart and love of his life, Colleen Barbara Alexander, on September 20, 1958. They completed their family with two children, James Michael and Jana Michelle Alexander.
Royden was very proud of his military career! He was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, fought in the Vietnam war, and finished his career as a nurse recruiter. He retired from the Army after twenty-one years of dedicated service. After retirement, he taught ROTC at Longview High School, worked at Jewell Concrete, and later, Mathis Concrete. He was also known to show up at Golden Flake Bakery, just to lend a hand!
Royden, affectionately known as “Pug”, was involved in many activities with his children. He was a scoutmaster and attended many daddy/daughter dates. As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he held the office of a seventy, and served faithfully in the Temple of The Lord. He believed in and nurtured his love of service. He put that love into action each and every day, finding some small way to serve. He was his brother’s keeper. His hobbies beyond his family and faith were to enjoy lunch or dinner out with family, and a good scratch off ticket. He was the kindest soul on earth and never met a stranger.
Royden was preceded in death by his father Willie Hamilton Alexander, mother Zelma Fern Lindsey, stepmother Gertrude Alexander, brother Harold Dean Alexander, daughter-in-law Kimberly Jane Alexander, granddaughter Tara Vanessa Alexander, and great granddaughter Jennifer Maddison Alexander.
He is survived by his wife Colleen Barbara Younger Alexander, son James Michael Alexander, daughter Jana Michelle Dunaway and husband Robert Glenn Dunaway Jr., brother Dwayne Murlyn Alexander, stepbrother Dana Alexander; grandchildren James Michael Alexander Jr. and wife Elizabeth Ann, Jacob Matthew Alexander, Krystina Renea Haas and husband Andrew Joseph, Joshua Daniel Dunaway and wife Rebekah Nicole, Whitney Nicole Kofoed and husband Stephen Mitchell, Brandon Scott Dunaway; great grandchildren Mackenzie Alexander, Vanessa, Alice, and Corbin Alexander, Alexandra and Vera Haas, Jace and Jude Dunaway, Kamille and Stafford Kofoed; many extended family members.
A visitation will be held on Friday September 1, from 6-8 PM in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview, TX. Funeral service will be at 10 AM Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Royden?
What’s a lesson you learned from Royden?
Share a story where Royden's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Royden you’ll never forget.
How did Royden make you smile?
