David Dean Alexander, 76, of Columbia, Mo, passed away on October 26, 2016 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. David was born June 26, 1940 in Lake Park, Iowa and spent his upbringing in the Indianola area.

Anyone who knew David knows he was a man of true wisdom, unparalleled intellect, and unending compassion for the welfare of others. Such characteristics can only be gained from the extraordinary life he lived with vast experiences. David was always a leader—whether teaching at West Point, being in front of the classroom at Columbia College where he was a professor of Psychology, leading outdoor treks through the wilderness for Upward Bound, working as a psychologist for the Missouri Department of Corrections, or even as the 1980 World’s Fair Pipe Maker. He never left a person without insightful conversation and transformational wisdom. David was the catalyst for beautiful change in countless people’s lives. But not only was he a true believer and empowerer of others, our David was a man of the earth. He relished in the simple things in life—a cheesy joke, a gorgeous sunset, a night in the pool with his family, setting patiently for hours without catching a single fish, or building things—necessary and frivolous—with his hands. David was a sincere renaissance man.

David left behind his beloved wife, Janie, of Columbia as well as his son Jon (Lyn) Alexander of Sykesville, MD, Ted Alexander of Fargo, ND, Tim (Jennifer) Alexander of Eugene, OR, Kimberly (John) Mathews of Portland, OR, as well as stepdaughters Jessica Weidler of Lee’s Summit,MO, Bridget (Ty) London of Los Angeles, CA, Andrea (Blake) Robinson of Columbia, MO, Stephanie O’Brian of Searcy, AR, and Natalie O’Brian of Columbia, MO. In addition to his beloved children, David left behind his treasured grandchildren—Devin, Katarina, Madisson, Haley, Preston, West, Jake, Mabel, Elliot, Millie, Penny, and two granddaughters on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Cathy Cargill, Shirley Patterson, Flora Groves, Jean Ann (Jerry) Peterson, and brother, Frederick Alexander, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Everyone loved Uncle Dave.

In honor of David’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of his life is being planned for December 3rd in Columbia, Mo.