Gary Wayne Alexander

Gary Wayne Alexander was born November 3, 1934, in Maryville, Missouri. His parents were Paul and Phyllis Alexander. He was one of five brothers. Gary grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work as illustrated by a story he shared with his daughter, Shelia. He was probably 6 years old or so and always had chores to do on the farm before and after school. He said all the other kids would go to the candy store after school. He said one day he decided that he too would go to the candy store with the other kids instead of going straight home to do those chores. He got home in time for supper (remember, supper back then was dinner and dinner was actually lunch, the good old days!) He looked at the table, but there was no place setting for him. He said, "Where is mine?". Grandpa told him that they had to "break" his plate and he wouldn't be having dinner. That was the consequence for not coming home after school to do his chores. He graduated from Tarkio College in Missouri in May ofb1956 where he played basketball. He received a Master of Science degree from Arizona State University in June of 1962. Gary served two years in the Navy from 1956 to 1958. He was teacher at Globe High School for many years. He coached boys and then girls basketball. He was the sponsor for the TRAGYC Club and also served as class sponsor. He was the assistant coach for the 1967 Boys Basketball team which won the Arizona Class A State Championship. During the summers, he worked for the forest service and for a while managed the pool at the community Center. After he retired from teacher, he worked as an EMT. He loved the outdoors including camping, fishing, hunting and bow hunting. He hunted for just about every creature for which there is a license in Arizona. He won several awards for bowhunting, including Bowhunter of the year in 1986 and the Big Turkey award in 1986 and 1987. A highlight was being drawn for and shooting a ram in 2019. Another highlight was his trip to Alaska in 2007. He also loved sports. He coached and played basketball. He loved watching sports and checked the sports page in the paper daily. He also spent many happy hours on the golf course where he made good friends. He is known for saying "One day at a time." He did not want his loved ones to feel sad for him because he had a full life. Gary loved his family and always provided for them. He had three children with his first wife, Kay: Glenda, Dennis and Sheila. Gary married his wife Glenda in 1965. He had two daughters with Glenda: Phyllis and Traci. He had 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He loved them all dearly and made sure each of them received a birthday card on time every year. Gary was a good father, grandfather/Papa, great grandfather, neighbor and friend. He will be missed. Reception to follow the memorial service at the Alexander home.