In Memory Of

Edward Gerald “Ed” Alexander

6/5/1943 - 4/2/2026

About Edward Gerald “Ed” Alexander

Edward Gerald Alexander, 82, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Gorinchem, Netherlands.

Ed was born on June 5, 1943, in Sale Creek, Tennessee, to Mark and Roselyn Alexander. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in May 1965, beginning a distinguished 28-year military career defined by leadership, service, and dedication.

Throughout his time in the Army, Ed completed numerous advanced training programs, including the Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Jungle Expert School in Panama, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Army War College. He served extensively overseas, spending 20 of his 28 years outside the United States in Germany, the Netherlands, Panama, and Korea, and completed two tours in ground combat in Vietnam.

Ed led with strength and integrity at every level of command, including leading a forward-deployed, nuclear-capable unit along the Iron Curtain in Germany. His final assignments included Chief of Current Operations for Allied Forces Central Europe in Brunssum, Netherlands; Inspector General for U.S. Army Europe in Heidelberg, Germany; and Senior Military Advisor to the Governor of Utah.

His service was recognized with numerous honors and awards, including the Parachutist Badge, Jungle Expert Badge, two Legions of Merit, four Army Commendation Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Medals, and five Bronze Star Medals.

After retiring from the Army, Ed continued his work for 22 years as a Vice President with a global business development consulting firm. In this role, he supported major defense contractors including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Microsoft, AT&T, and IBM, helping to advance capabilities for the United States military. In all, he dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the defense of the nation he loved.

Above all, Ed was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather (Opa). He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his children, LTC (Ret) Mark Alexander (Beverly), COL (Ret) Jennifer Alexander (Tom Fritz), Rex Alexander (Heather), Jessica Dirksen, Veronica Haacke (Cody), and Kayla Johnson (Adrian); nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

Ed will be remembered not only for his leadership and service, but for his steady presence, his strong work ethic, and the deep love he had for his family. We are incredibly grateful for the time we had with him and the example he set for all of us.

Honoring Your Loved Ones

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12 comments

Lowell and Jan Harris

ago

AND, Ed was a true patriot and truly earned every recognition received. And Jan and I admired him as our son-in-law and the happiness he gave our daughter for their 28 years together❤️❤️. God Bless

Bill Havron, First Sergeant(Retired, US Army)

1 week ago

One of the best Battery Commanders I had in 23 years of service. On behalf of the Pershing Black Jack Chapter of the Pershing Professionals, I extend our condolences. I will ensure his name will be added to the Pershing Memorial Wall, Pershing Hall, Bldg 56, Fort Sill, OK

Kayla Johnson

1 week, 5 days ago

We often hear about family being chosen. My dad, Ed, chose me, and I chose him right back. He stepped into my life when I was seven, and from that moment, he was my dad in every sense. He didn’t have to take on raising another child, he had already raised three grown kids, but he did. I’m thankful he chose me, and I’m thankful I let him into my life. When I was little, every night when he tucked me into bed, he would count to three in German “eins, zwei, drei” and then he’d have me blow out the light while he turned it off. Those simple moments of warmth meant the world to me. When we studied Vietnam in school, Dad came to my history class each year. He was the hero who had been there, sharing his story firsthand. He would bring in his slideshows and talk about his experiences from the perspective of someone who served. And honestly, it was the one time the popular boys talked to me, so thank you for that, Dad. My dad was a retired Army Colonel with 28 years of service, with two tours in Vietnam, and after that, a longstanding career with Shipley Associates. He shaped my resilience and work ethic, I get my drive from him. I’ll never forget his line: “If you’re not early, you’re already late.” Thanks to him, I’m the punctual one. He was brilliant, well-educated, and funny, his laugh could fill a room, and I still hear it in my mind. I am the woman I am because of him. I’ll always cherish our trips to Europe, eating schnitzel together and laughing with the crepe man in Switzerland. Those moments meant so much, and they shaped who I am. Because of you, I have a deep respect for different cultures and a willingness to try new things. You were our patriarch. You would give the shirt off your back for any of us. I’ll miss talking sports with you, especially when the Vikings would let us down, and sending you pictures of my cooking, because you were always the cook in the family and inspired me to try something new. I wish Ashton could have had more time with his Opa, because he was truly one incredible man. But I promise to carry your memory forward and make sure he knows who you were. “Every step I take, every move I make, every single day, every time I pray, I’ll be missing you.” I am so proud to be your daughter. I am who I am because of you, my strength, my resilience, my determination. Thank you for everything you gave me. I love you so much, Dad.

Eric Gregory

4 weeks ago

Friend. Mentor. Colleague. Someone I admired greatly and appreciated every day. What a man.

Brad Douglas (Shipley peer)

4 weeks, 1 day ago

Ed was a great leader and example to all of us. God bless!

aubree

1 month ago

opa was the best person i’ve ever met. the kindness of his heart made me miss him even more. rest in peace opa and fly high. i’ll look for you in the sunsets. 🫶🏻💕☀️✨

Jay and Brenda Adams

1 month ago

Ed was one of the best. We were so fortunate to have met and shared time and adventures with him. He will be missed by many and we will always hold a special place in our heart for Ed. Till we meet again. High Tide!

Diane Morrell

1 month ago

Garn and I loved knowing Ed and sharing in experiences with he, Diane, and Kayla. He was always so welcoming, loving, and thoughtful. Love and prayers to family. May you find comfort in celebrating his great life and his love of family and country! ❤️

Joy (Harris) McGee

1 month ago

From the moment I met Ed, I knew that he was the blessing my niece, Diane, had been needing. They are perfect for each other. He quickly became my nephew (though he was 3 months older than me 😊)! He had a way about him that just made you feel comfortable, like he was a friend you’d known forever. He will be greatly missed, and my heart hurts for my precious Diane and all of his children. May we all remember with love this wonderful man. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives, and may we live in a way that honors him always!

Charisse Morrell

1 month ago

Ed, to this day, is one of the only people who heard my name and guessed my namesake, Syd Charisse, which quickly became the nickname he gave me. For the decades I was lucky enough to know him, I knew him to be only compassionate, warm, witty, level headed, and genorous. What an incredible legacy he's left. Love to all his family as you celebrate his life and mourn his passing - I'm thinking of you!

Mark Alexander

1 month ago

It’s striking how a person’s entire life can be condensed into just a few brief paragraphs. Despite the countless experiences and stories that fill our days, the written record often seems insufficient to truly capture the depth and richness of a life lived. My Dad left us unexpectedly and far too soon. The abruptness of his departure has left a void, and I find myself mourning not only his absence but also the moments and time that we can never reclaim. He was the first hero in my life, and that deep admiration remains unchanged. I idolized him, aspired to follow his example, and wished to embody his qualities. Even now, he continues to inspire me. We are all incredibly fortunate to have had him in our lives. His influence and presence shaped us, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Adrian Johnson

1 month ago

Thanks for welcoming me into your family so graciously a few years ago. We will never forget you. Rest in peace!

Edward Gerald “Ed” Alexander

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About Edward Gerald “Ed” Alexander

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