Major General (Retired) Richard Charles Alexander

Major General (Retired) Richard C. Alexander passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving children. He was was born to Floyd and Bertha Alexander on June 26, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio as one of five children. General Alexander met the love of his life, LaVera Allen while attending East Tech High School. They married in 1955 and had three children Ronald, Gail and Jeffrey.

His military career began in 1954 when he joined the Marine Corps and served honorably until 1958. He enlisted in the Ohio National Guard in 1960. He served as Commander, Battery C, 1/137th Artillery Fairview Park Nike Site. He served as Director of Personnel, HQ, State Area Command from 1984 to 1985 and Chief of Staff, HQ State Area Command from 1985 to 1987. MG (Ret) Richard C. Alexander, served as The Adjutant General of Ohio from 1987 to 1998. He was the first African American general officer and Adjutant General in Ohio National Guard history.

MG (Ret) Richard C. Alexander’s leadership skills were recognized nationally by the National Guard Association of the United States, which appointed him to the position of president of the association in 1996. Upon retirement from the Ohio National Guard, he served as Executive Director for the National Guard Association of the United States in Washington, DC.

He graduated from Franklin University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He served from 1996-1998 on Franklin’s Board of Trustees. MG (Ret) Richard C. Alexander gave the Franklin University commencement address to the summer graduating class of 1996. He received Franklin’s Alumni Leadership Award in 1999.

Richard was an avid golfer. He enjoyed golfing with his wife, sons and grandsons. He ran in several local and National Guard marathons. Richard loved family barbecues, vacationing at the ocean with his children and grandchildren, and listening to jazz music.

Richard and LaVera were strong in their faith. They were dedicated to the Unity Church and principles and were a spiritual inspiration to family and friends. As a Dad and Grandfather, he led by example by demonstrating the value of hard work and being prepared. He supported and encouraged his children and grandchildren with unconditional love, wisdom and faith.

Richard was a devoted husband, a proud father and beloved grandfather. He is survived by his children Ronald (Donna) Alexander, Gail (Jeffrey deceased) Crawley and Jeffrey (Linda) Alexander; and grandchildren Lauren Alexander, Kyle (Ashley) Alexander, Danielle Crawley, Bradley Alexander and Taylor Alexander.

He is preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Bertha Alexander; siblings June Kirk, Floyd Alexander Jr., Lois Williams and Rochelle Strange; and beloved wife of 63 years, LaVera Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://www.franklin.edu/alumni/ways-give#node-41649. Donors can select the military fund and there is a spot to put ‘in memory of’.