William was born and raised in Iowa. His father was often absent and he, along with his older sisters had to help their mother support their large family. William was married twice, with his first wife, Margaret Michaelson, he had five children. William married his second wife, Grace Roberts on Jauary 16, 1953 in Harrison, Boone County, Arkansas. They had two children. During his life William lived in Iowa, Chicago, and Kansas City, Missouri. William was a great cook. He was always cooking something. You could often find him in the kitchen, hands covered in flour whistling a tune. He loved to garden and had a knack for growing even the most difficult plants. His big fingers would often braid my hair "Just like his sisters", he would say. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and kept a careful count of how many there were. He was always drawing family trees. He enjoyed watching television. He especially liked westerns. He also liked soap operas, but refused to admit it. He was a quiet man of few words. He was very generous and liked giving little surprises. He never missed a holiday for Mom. He loved the Lord and had a lot of faith. He always said "Why worry, the Lord provides". And Dad is right, he always does.

Kansas City Times

Kansas City, Missouri

November 4, 1982

William E. Alexander, 73, of 3308 Wyoming St., died Tuesday at Truman Medical Center. He was born in Exline, Iowa, and had lived in this area 20 years. Mr. Alexander was a machinist before he retired in 1970. He was a Baptist. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Grace Alexander of the home, four sons, James Alexander, Harrisonville, Mo., William A. Alexander, Anderson, Mo., Robert T. Alexander, Omaha, Neb. and Richard E. Alexander, Merrian; Ks. three daughters Mrs. Margaret Landry, Independence, Mo., Mrs. Pat Chronister, Kansas City, Mo., Mrs. Elsetta Torres, Thornton, Colo., a half brother, Charles Robinson and a sister, Mrs. Evelyn Gilson, both of Chicago, 18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the McGilley Midtown Chapel; burial in Mount Hope Cemetery. Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at the chapel.

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Des Moines Tribune

Saturday, November 5, 1932 - page 6

INTENTION TO WED

William E. Alexander Jr. - Polk - 23

Margaret Michaelson - Polk - 18

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*No one has found Margaret and William's marriage record, including Margaret. It must not have been filed, or recorded, a clerks error.