Ernest Lee Alexander 91, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 in Thousand Oaks, California. Born on a winter day in Wilson, Oklahoma on January 12, 1921, Ernest was the son of Bertha Mae Bennett and Dempsey Lee Alexander. Brother to seven siblings, loving father and grandfather, self-proclaimed bookworm, musician, avid golfer, accomplished bowler and decorated Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Ernest was at heart an American who valued honesty and work of one's passion. As a young man, Ernest enlisted in the U.S. Army and met his wife-to-be, Erlene Ima Coleman in California. When Ernest left for U.S. Army Officer Candidate School in Florida, Erlene followed him East, traveling by rail for sixteen days. They married in Miami, making the best of difficult times, nurturing moments of joy amidst turbulent wartime. During his 30-year military career in the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and N.A.T.O., Ernest, Erlene and their four sons-Douglas, Ralph, Alan and Donald-shared many memorable years exploring the United States and Europe. They settled in Southern California, and December 10, 2012 would have marked Ernest and Erlene's 70th wedding anniversary. In his later years, with children grown, Ernest's phone calls sent love across many geographic boundaries, and his letters brought quiet reminders of where home would always be. If a life can be measured by the unwavering devotion to one's partner, and the guidance and encouragement of one's children and grandchildren in times of challenge, Ernest Alexander's life was unequivocally one of great wealth and accomplishment. He was a cornerstone of an American family, and his memory lives on each day that we pursue our dreams with patience and humility. He is survived by his beloved wife, Erlene Alexander; sons, Douglas (Leslie) Alexander, Ralph (June) Alexander, Alan Alexander (deceased), Donald (Julie) Alexander; twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, 2042 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA, 93012. Prior to services, a viewing will be held from 1:00-1:45 P.M. Graveside services and burial with military honor guard will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 1:45 P.M. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518. Published in San Bernardino Sun on December 4, 2012.