Robert William Alexander

Robert William Alexander, 77, of Rockford passed away on February 4, 2008 at SwedishAmerican Hospital. Born July 6, 1930 in Detroit, MI to William A. and Mary (Pickering) Alexander. Bob attended Wayne University, received BS from Oklahoma State University. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and flew combat in the Korean Conflict and Viet Nam War. Returned from Korea to Vance AFB, Enid, OK to instruct in B-25s and enter the procurement area. Married Arlene Witt, in 1955 and became a step-father to James Witt and Lora Witt and had two sons: Jon R. and William P. Bob was transferred to Japan in 1960 as a Contracting Officer. In 1965 he transferred back to Vance AFB, Enid, OK as an instructor pilot in T-38 aircraft. He was promoted to Lt. Col. and assigned as Student Squadron Commander. He left Vance AFB in 1970 for 0-2 training and subsequent assignment to Da Nang AB, Viet Nam. Returning to the states in 1971 he was assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. in the Procurement Directorate developing an automatic (computer) system for small purchases (under $25,000). He transferred to DCAS Cleveland, OH in 1973 where he became District Commander and then retired from the USAF in 1977. In Cleveland, Bob worked for a business consulting firm for six years as a contract manager then moved to Rockford, IL as Contracting Officer for Sunstrand Corp. He retired in 1988. Married Mary Jane Carlson (Ralston) in 1988. Upon moving to Rockford, Bob joined Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon, Elder and Stephan Minister. He was a member of YMCA Retired Mens Club where he golfed, bowled and sold Christmas trees. Bob volunteered for 17 years at Rockford Memorial in Patient Services. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane; children, Jon (Denise) of Tulsa, OK, William of El Reno, OK, Lora (Richard) Clopine of Redding, CA; step-children, Blair Carlson of Loves Park, Barton (Gulbin) Carlson of Bel Air, MD, Dana (Randy) Harley of Stillman Valley, IL, Darla (Jerry) Glasgow of Machesney Park, IL; grandchildren, Caitlin Alexander of NM, Aaron Alexander of OH, Heather and Beth Clopine of CA, Adam Carlson (Roxanne) of Poplar Grove, Jay Carlson of Caledonia, Durrant Carlson of MD, Jeremy Glasgow of Machesney Park, IL; great-granddaughter, Lillianna Carlson of Poplar Grove; sisters, Mary (Reginald) Aumann of MI, and Anna (Matthew) Hunter of MI; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and step-son, James A. Witt. Memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, February 8, 2008 in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 with Pastor David Smazik officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior to service time at the church. Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 is assisting the family. To extend condolences to the family online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.