Lester E. Alexander

Lester Edward ""Les"" Alexander, 84, of Bland formerly of Poplar Bluff died Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla.

Mr. Alexander was born May 15, 1925 in Rochelle, Ill., and was a 1938 graduate of Dresser School in DeKalb, Ill. He was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Navy serving aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain as Fireman First Class. After the service Mr. Alexander worked 4 years as a professional carpenter with Eber Construction Co. in Rochelle and later retired from the Rochelle Standard Oil Co. after 18 years of service. After retirement he relocated to Poplar Bluff.

He was married to Pearl E. Magby of Mountain Top, Ark. She preceded him in death on Nov. 24, 1995.

Survivors include three children: Cora Johnson and husband Vernon of Fairdealing, Connie Million and husband Paul of Owensville near Bland and William ""Bill"" Alexander of Black Rock, Ark.; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; a sister, Evota Gates, of Rochelle, Ill.; and a brother, Max Alexander of Sycamore, Ill.

His parents, William H. ""Bill"" and Eva Marie (Ethington) Alexander, daughter, Dena Alexander Swartz and grandson, Sean Million preceded Mr. Alexander in death.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel with his grandson, Pastor Steven Alexander officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.