Richard Dale Alexander

Richard Dale Alexander, 74, of Carterville, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 1, 2019, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Cody Knapik officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the Carterville Junior High Athletic Department.

Richard was born April 13, 1945, in Carterville, to Ryburn Arthur and Mae (Harper) Alexander. He married Marcia Susette Frost on May 28, 1965, in Carterville.

He is survived by his wife, Susette Alexander of Carterville; son, Bradley Gene Alexander of Carterville; grandchildren, Haleigh, Nathaniel and Gabriel Alexander.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kent Alexander; brothers, David, Michael, Charles and Raymond Alexander; and sisters, Lois Zimmerman and Evelyn Dean Hartman.

He retired in 2003, after 35 years of dedicated service as an educator. Richard taught 5th and 6th grades, but mainly taught 7th grade at Carterville Junior High. He was affectionately referred to as "Mr. A." by students. His late son, Kent, who also became an educator took the "Mr. A." title over, leaving Richard with the title of  "Big A."  His passion for teaching students far surpassed the classroom. He spent many years as the girls' basketball and track coach. Richard was also an active leader in the Illinois Education Association and served as past President of the Carterville Education Association.  

Richard was a faithful member of Crainville Baptist Church.

He also served as a Boy Scout leader for many years.

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