J DEAN ALEXANDER

J Dean Alexander, 92, Overland Park, KS, died peacefully in his sleep with his daughters at his side October 23, 2018. J Dean was born on June 12, 1926 in Concordia, KS to W.W. and Minnie (Vandanacker) Alexander. J Dean, his brother Van, his sisters, Dorothy and Diane, were raised in the Episcopalian faith in Concordia, KS during Prohibition, The Great Depression, and The Dust Bowl era.
In 1944 J Dean enlisted in the USAAF and served until honorably discharged after World War II. He returned to Concordia and worked with the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Boyd’s Meat Market, served as a City Clerk, and attended both K-State and KU. He raced and repaired hot rod cars with The Dirt Devils. In 1953, J Dean married Shirley Ann Taylor, also from Concordia.
J Dean went to work for B.F. Goodrich in Wellington (KS), Wichita (KS), Akron (OH), and Kansas City (KS). He and Shirley raised five children; David, Scott, Martin, Katie, and Sara. In 1976, J Dean was transferred back to Kansas City where he worked until his retirement in 1989. He was active in the Johnson County Master Gardeners program, a car mechanic, carpenter, chef, and father.
J Dean was generous, fair, and honest. He was firm in convictions, but always with an open heart and mind. He was the model of a dignified gentleman and we will miss his wisdom, twinkling blue eyes, and his beautiful smile.
J Dean is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, two sons, David and Martin, and his siblings, Van Alexander and Dorothy Alexander Bengtson. Survivors include his children; Scott, Kingsland, GA; Katie of the home; Sara (Tony) O’Bryan, Lone Jack, MO; grandchildren Jennifer Pendarvis, Kansas City, MO, Marcus Alexander of Michigan, and Ashley Alexander, St. Mary's GA; several great-grandchildren; his sister Diane Lowe, Ogden, UT; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
J Dean and Shirley’s ashes will be released together in a private ceremony. The family would like to thank the services of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care for their wonderful care and love they gave to J Dean. The family suggests donations be given to a local Hospice or charity of your choice.