David Alexander, 86, passed away surrounded by family on Feb. 2, 2017.
He was born on July 15,1930 to Rose and Roy Alexander in Bourbon, MO. David grew up on the family farm and attended school in the Dowler Mill district of Crawford County. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in February of 1948. Honorably discharged on Feb. 12, 1952, David enlisted as a Staff Sergeant for an additional three years in the reserves. His service spanned the Korean War.
While stationed at Biggs Air Force Airfield in El Paso, TX he met the love of his life, Belen Gonzales and they were married April 5, 1952 in Bourbon, MO. In 1953, they moved to Belens hometown, Bisbee, and David began delivering gas for Brophy Garage in Lowell. His career with Phelps Dodge began in 1959 as an underground mucker and he retired in 1999 as a self-taught surveyor/engineer. He was also a self-taught country musician playing the guitar, fiddle, banjo, and harmonica. He loved and wrote poetry as well. David was an avid outdoors man who loved hunting and fishing. Upon retiring, David returned to his farming roots, finally able to work on his “gentleman’s” farm in Safford, AZ, full time. David was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Belen, who was the love of his life and whom he missed dearly. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Max (Madeline) and Curtis (Cleo) Alexander.
He is survived by children David Alexander, Pat (Jack) Porter, and William (Janice) Alexander as well as nine grandchildren: Tony (Susan), Rick (Adriane), and Joe (Rita) Alexander, Nick (Loren) and Scott (Brianna) Porter, Missy (Ryan) Harris, Jenny Alexander, Steven (Ashley) and Cassie (Ryan) Cameron as well as 11 great-grandchildren. David is survived by sisters Peggy Chenowith and Amy (Al) Brewington and brother Berkley (Toshiao).
From humble beginnings, David achieved great success in life by always working diligently to teach himself the skills necessary to achieve his goals. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. May he now rest in peace.
Service was held at 1 p.m., Feb. 7, 2017, at Alex Espinosa Funeral Home, Bisbee, AZ. Burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.