Obituary: Robert Alexander, 79, Pentwater.

Robert Alexander

Robert Warren Alexander, 79, of Pentwater, passed away Friday, August 5, 2016, at his home.  He was born March 11, 1937, in Ferry Township, Michigan to Acie and Mildred (Bates) Alexander.  

Bob was a graduate of Shelby High School Class of 1955. He also attended Muskegon Community College, while serving his Mortuary Science Apprenticeship at the Pachesny Funeral Home. Then, in 1961, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and received his Michigan Funeral Directors License. While in Chicago, he was active in the Delta Pi Epsilon Fraternity. After obtaining his Michigan Funeral Directors License, he was employed at funeral homes in Midland, Clio and had managed the Thompson Funeral Home in Paw Paw, Michigan, until he and his family moved to Ludington in 1966 and joined the staff of the Rye Funeral Home. He became the sole owner of the Rye Funeral Home following the death of Mr. James A. Rye in 1972. The business name was changed to the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, Inc. Bob was a former member of the Ludington Optimist Club and served as president 1972-1973. He also was a former board member of the Ludington Salvation Army. In 1978, Bob received his Eye Enucleation Certificate from Wayne State University School of Medicine and was a local volunteer with the eye donor program. In 1979, he was elected as a board member of the Mason County Historical Society. During the past several years, Bob enjoyed the real estate business, having bought, restored and sold homes in Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida, as well as in Mason County. He also was an avid antique collector. Bob and his former wife, Valerie, had three sons. Their late son, David worked for his father in the business for many years, where he served as vice-president, until Bob retired and had sold the funeral home in 2011.

Robert is survived by two sons, Scott D. (Kim) Alexander of Ludington and Mark R. (Anita) Alexander of Ludington;  four grandchildren, Michael, Morgan, Jordyn and Karsyn Alexander; one brother: Jerry (Annette) Alexander of Ludington; family friend and former employee, Gary D. Salerno and his family of Pentwater; his beloved dogs, Bella, Abby and Sadie. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, David Alexander; sister, Wilma Beckman; three brothers, Lyle Alexander, George Alexander, and James Alexander.  

The Funeral Service for Mr. Alexander will be Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at 11 a.m. at King Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Ludington. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at King Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  

The family requests that any memorials be directed to Lakeshore Animal Friends, P.O. Box 503, Ludington, MI 49431, LASSI, Hospice Of Michigan, 5177 W. US 10 Ste. B, Ludington, MI 49431 or a charity of choice.

To share memory with the family, please visit www.kingfuneralhome.net.