Robert E. "Bob" Alexander

Robert “Bob” E. Alexander Sr., 82 of North Vernon, passed away on March 29, 2025 at the Columbus Regional Hospital surrounded by his family and pastor.

Bob was born July 1, 1942, in his home in North Vernon to the late Treva Lucille and Raymond Alexander.

He was in Boy Scouts and was a Boy Scout leader as an adult. He played the cornet trumpet in the high school band. He graduated from North Vernon High School in 1960, and enlisted in the Navy for three years, where he went to storekeeper school. He managed the recruit issue at Great Lakes, Illinois Naval Base and was in charge of an inventory of over one million dollars. Upon leaving the Navy, he lived in Connecticut for a short time. He moved back to North Vernon and was hired by Cummins Engine Company. He worked at Cummins for 38 years as a machine operator, assembly worker, test block, parts mounting and quality specialist. In his younger adult years, he often worked two jobs to provide for his family and also worked at Hooks Drug Store.

He met the love of his life and after one date, knew he was going to marry her. He asked her to marry him less than a week after their first date! Bob and Karen (Pettit) Martin married on February 12, 1983, and they just celebrated 42 years of marriage this year.

After retirement, he worked at Holiday Inn, another factory, and as a school janitor at Sand Creek and Hayden Elementaries. He was a deacon for a number of years at First Baptist Church and then later at Bethel Baptist Church. He was passionate about the job and visited senior adults that were sick or shut in. He kept them updated on the happenings of the church and helped take communion to them. He also wanted to make sure his family members had a relationship with Jesus Christ.

He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always attended soccer and basketball games, dance competitions and recitals, and homeschool violin concerts and grandparent’s days at the school of his grandchildren.

In his younger years, he and his wife enjoyed going to Disney World and Amish Country on many vacations. In his later years, he spent a lot of time reading and doing puzzles. He enjoyed taking his wife to quilting shop hops, the made mini vacations of them and went with another couple. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He didn’t like to sit still much and always stayed busy helping take care of their home and yard.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jean Miller, his brother, Warren Alexander Sr., his son, Robert E. Alexander Jr. and his son, Ryan Martin.

Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen Alexander; his sons, Michael Alexander of Seymour and  James (Carey) Alexander of Madison, Alabama; his daughter, Shay (Scott) Speer of Seymour; grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Alexander, Charles (Chloe) Alexander, Terry Alexander, Hope Alexander, Elizabeth Alexander, Matthew Stefanski, Laurana (fiancé John Barnard)  Speer, Liam Speer; and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service for Bob will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with the Brother Ricky Persons officiating. The visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  at the funeral home and 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.  Burial will be immediately following in the Graham Baptist Cemetery with military graveside rites by members of Matt Hester Post #2021 V.F.W.

In memory of Bob, contributions may be made through the funeral home to Bethel Baptist Church of North Vernon or the American Heart Association.

Family and friends may share special memorials and condolences for the family at www.dovesharprudicel.com

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