Stephen Roy Alexander
Stephen Roy Alexander lived his life with a servant’s heart and a love for family and his country. He passed away on June 29, 2023, just after his 72nd birthday.
Steve was born in Sullivan, MO, on June 27, 1951, to parents Roy McClarney (“Max”) and Madeline Alexander. He grew up playing on the banks of the Meramec River with his siblings and cousins, flying planes and working on cars with his dad. Shortly after graduating from Sullivan High School in 1969, Steve volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam—an enlistment he jokingly referred to as his “senior trip.”
Upon returning from Vietnam, Steve moved home to Sullivan and began working as a plumber. That changed when his mother Madeline, who had driven through Cape Girardeau once and thought it was a “pretty town,” packed his bag and enrolled him in college at Southeast Missouri State University. Once set on this path, Steve went on to earn advanced degrees in education and school administration. Over a 30 plus year career, he wore many hats including industrial arts teacher, school counselor, and principal. In each of these roles, Steve’s top focus was on advancing others—whether a student needed help learning to work with their hands, talking through tough issues or finding the right career path.
In his early 30’s Steve continued his military service in the Missouri Army National Guard as a helicopter pilot. He flew Medivac helicopters to evacuate injured soldiers during Operation Desert Storm. He later flew fixed wing aircraft for the State of Missouri, supporting Domestic and Overseas missions. Steve retired from the Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. However, he couldn’t stay out of the air and went on to work for several more years as a helicopter pilot for AirEvac Life Team out of Salem, MO. Through his love of flight, Steve was able to protect the country he loved and touch the lives of many in need of medical help.
Steve had many passions—planes, Corvettes, and Harley Davidson motorcycles, just to name a few. However, his biggest passion was love and service to his family. Steve loved the Lord, and raised his family to love and serve God, too. He taught his kids by example how to cultivate a reputation of integrity and respect; to shake hands firmly, look people in the eye, work hard, and always do what you say you’ll do. He proudly cheered through every sporting event, concert and school play, listened to his kids’ goals and dreams, and helped map out a way for them to succeed. With his words and actions, Steve constantly made sure his kids knew he loved and was proud of them.
On July 13, 2002, Steve married the love of his life Suzanne. Through 22 years of marriage, they supported each other’s careers and dreams. After both retired, Steve and Suzanne moved to the Lake of the Ozarks. They loved nothing more than to entertain all of their kids and grandkids with fishing, jet-skiing and boat-riding adventures. One of Steve’s favorite places was watching sunsets with Suzanne from their porch at the Lake, “looking out over his kingdom.”
Steve is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children Sean Alexander and wife Beth of Hendersonville, TN; Megan Hodapp and husband Chas of The Woodlands, TX; Drew Johnson and wife Heather of Salem, MO; Micah Leggitt and husband Lance of Ashburn, VA; and Jon Johnson and wife Jessie of Birch Tree, MO; brother Paul Alexander and wife Sharon of Sullivan, MO; and sister Yvonne Tidwell and husband Jerome of St. Charles, MO. He was the proud grandfather of Nicolas, Madi, and Vincent Alexander; Charlie and Stella Hodapp; Irvin, Dalli and Virgil Johnson; Fischer and Reece Leggitt; and Hynlie and Haevyn Johnson.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Madeline Alexander, as well as a sister, Alta Elizabeth.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan, MO.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan. Interment will follow at IOOF Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Friends may also send their online condolences to Steve’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.