Haskel Martin Alexander, 77 years old, born December 26, 1933, in Saucier, MS, to George and Ethel Lumpkin Alexander, died Friday, June 24, after a battle with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis). Preceding Haskel in death were his parents and siblings: George, Jr.; Betty Trahan; Louise Young Guess; Carl Eugene and grandson, Derek Johnson. Haskel retired after 35 years from Indal Aluminum. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, gardening and gospel music. He also loved his church family at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Long Beach. Haskel is survived by his wife of 60 years, Floye Ryan, and his daughters: Brenda (King) Batey and Angie Johnson of Long Beach; Cindy (late husband Michael) Smith of Gautier; his sister, Mary Lee Carter of Lafayette, LA, and sister-in-spirit, Polly Mincher of Long Beach. Grandchildren include: Tiffany (Gerry, II) Gordon of Gulfport; Trey (Rhiannon) Batey of Portland, OR; Alex, Jacqueline, Ryan Johnson of Long Beach; Claudia and Nathan Smith of Gautier, along with numerous nephews and nieces, cousins and other relatives and dear friends. A memorial service is planned for Friday, July 15 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11-1:00 with the service at 1:00. Haskel had his body donated to science and in lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions in memory of Haskel Alexander to the building fund at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 20196 Pineville Road, Long Beach or TEAAM (Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi), P.O. Box 213, Newton, MS 39345. Additionally, the family would like to acknowledge the care and comfort provided by his nurse, Paul Cook, along with the prayers and visits from beloved friends and extended family.

Published in The Sun Herald on June 26, 2011.