Russell Dean Alexander Sr., 80, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed through the gates of Heaven on Dec. 24, 2015, following a courageous fight with cerebral salt wasting and heart disease. Russell’s devotion to his family and his belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be Saturday, Jan. 9 at Westside Baptist Church, 6834 Hwy. 1 Bypass, in Natchitoches, at 2p.m., with Dr. Steve McAlister and Dr. Bill Hudson officiating. Russell donated his body to LSU Health Science School of Medicine. Born in Erie, Tenn., on March 24, 1935, to Lige and Kate Brackett Alexander, Russell was the seventh of 12 children. Following graduation from Midway High School in 1953, Russell enlisted in the US Air Force where he served as a jet mechanic. He married the love of his life of 57 years, Wilma Bidwell, in 1958. In 1961 Russell, Wilma and their two daughters moved from their home state of Tennessee to Albany, Oregon where Russell began a 32-year career with Willamette Industries. Shortly after moving to Oregon they were blessed with a son, Russell Dean Alexander Jr. As Russell’s career progressed the family moved and lived in Kentucky, Indiana and finally in Louisiana where he retired from Willamette in 1993. Russell was known as an intelligent and hardworking man. He was often heard saying “Don’t worry about the mule, just load the wagon!” always working alongside others until the last job was done right! Russell was a member of Westside Baptist Church and loved attending Sunday school, listening to his wife sing and telling his children and grandchildren about the grace and love of Jesus Christ. He also enjoyed fishing and having Wilma fry up his “catches” to share with his family and friends, followed by a game or two of “Rook” where he would undoubtedly threaten to “shoot the moon!” Missing him greatly this holiday season, his family reflects on the personalized “Story of Jesus’ Birth” and prayer,that they cherished hearing him recite, every Christmas Eve for the past 50 years. Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his son Rusty; six brothers and one sister. He is survived by his devoted wife; daughters, Vanessa, and husband, Eddie Holman, and Veniessa Alexander, both of Shreveport; his grandchildren and their families, Bethany and Craig Rush, Dan and Shannon Robertson, Alicia and Tony Mitchell, Kristen and Tony Procell, Brittany and Aaron Procell, Colten Alexander, and Lindsay and John Atkins; 11 great grandchildren; three sisters and their families, Sylvia and Brad Gordon of Meg Co., Tenn., Janie Snyder and Mary Kate Wicker of Loudon, Tenn.; one brother and his family, David and Wanda Alexander of Sweetwater, Tenn. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandsons-in-law. The family would like to thank all of the devoted doctors, nurses and caregivers affiliated with Willis Knighton Hospital and Willis Knighton Home Health who helped Russell fight his courageous battle during the last four years. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers you please consider donations to The Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
