Wendell Dean Alexander, 79 years, of Gravette, Arkansas was called to heaven on Monday, July 20, 2020 at his daughter’s home with his loving family by his side.

Wendell was born on April 25, 1941 in Arvada, Colorado, one of 14 children born to the late, Joseph and Esther (Lennen) Alexander. He married the love of his life, Willa Dean Rogers on May 24, 1960 in Miami, Oklahoma. He was an active member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. He was a farmer and a former Rodeo Club President in Gravette, Arkansas. Wendell will be remembered as a great husband, dad, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Glynn Alexander, Samuel Alexander, Stella Orten, Leroy Alexander, Levern Alexander, Dale Alexander, Joseph Alexander, Edna Schaffer, Ellen O’Neill; a great granddaughter, Macee Grace LaBrecque.

Wendell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Willa Dean Alexander; five children, Wesley Alexander and wife, Sharon, Warren Alexander and wife, Sheri, Wenna Crowley and husband, Don, Waunema LaBrecque and husband, David, Annette Smyser and husband, Randy; a brother, Billy Gene Alexander; three sisters, Xollie Buffer, Bonnie Schaffer, Betty Wilkins; 13 grandchildren, Cody Alexander, Clayton Alexander, Chelsee LaBrecque, Conner LaBrecque, Lindsee LaBrecque, Ty Latta, Jaden Crowley, Gabrielle Pernudi, Jeremy Smyser, Dawn Smyser, Christi McKenny, Correy Alexander and Hayley Alexander; 16 great grandchildren; Addison Alexander, Cali Harrington, Elijah Ruiz, Briele Ruiz, Rayce Ruiz, Ty Verrette, Berklee Verrette, Daxton Duncan, Silas Duncan, Jacob McKenney, Staci Nims, Hannah Brown, Brynn Smyser, Hunter Smyser, Aden Smyser, Landen Smyser one great great grandchild; Piper McKenney as well as a host of other family and friends who will dearly miss Wendell.

Funeral services for Wendell will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. Pastor Larry Hendren will officiate. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas.

Additional info kindly provided by contributor Laurie Sayler Gales