Rickie "Rick" lee Alexander

In Loving Memory of Rickie Lee "Rick" Alexander (1950-2025)

With a mix of chuckles and a few tears, we announce that Rick Alexander has decided to ride off into the great beyond, just two weeks shy of his 75th birthday. Rick passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, possibly telling one last epic tale or trying to convince everyone that he could still do a wheelie on his motorcycle.

Rick had a bit of a rough patch lately after breaking his back from a fall, he spent time in the hospital and rehab. He had been on dialysis since June 2024. But let’s be honest, he probably saw it all as just another adventure in his long, colorful life.

Born in Chillicothe, Ohio, to the late Lois Kathleen and Carl Alexander, Rick grew up perfecting the art of sibling torment, especially with his two sisters, Deb and Kathy, and his brothers, Tim and Joey. If you ever wondered why family gatherings were so lively, you can thank Rick and his “special” brand of humor!

After enlisting in the US Army, Rick had the pleasure of serving in Vietnam, where he undoubtedly gathered a treasure trove of stories—some of which may have involved him wrestling alligators or befriending a monkey. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Linda. In a moment of pure luck, he flipped a coin against his friend Mark to see who would take this “hot chic” they picked up on a snowy night on their way to Bible study. Spoiler alert: Rick won! He married Linda on April 20, 1974, and the two enjoyed 40 years of marriage—if you’re wondering how they lasted that long, we can add your name to that list!

Rick was the kind of guy who never left Linda’s side as her health declined, proving that true love means being there through thick and thin (and maybe a few too many bad TV shows). Linda took this city boy and turned him into a farm man, where they raised their daughters, Richelle Alexander~Stevens (who now resides in Spring, TX) and Melissa Sellers of New Philadelphia, OH. After losing Linda, Rick made the smart move to Spring, TX, to be closer to Richelle and her husband Lee Stevens (the best chef a father in law  could ask for), and to avoid Ohio winters.

Rick will be fondly remembered for leaving behind a hilarious crew of grandchildren: Shaelyn (Brandon) Brown from La Vernia, TX, Savanah Alexander (with fiancé Chris Miller), currently serving in the US Army (we’re still waiting for her to make General so we can get some free stuff), Shairee Sellers of Jewett, OH, Libby Hobbs and Katie Hobbs of Atlanta, GA, and Parker Shay Alexander from Litchfield Park, AZ. His great-grandchildren, including Lillan & Ryder Welker, Bryanna Nalley, Corbyn Alexander, Ryleigh Miller, and Mercury Frontz. They will miss him sneaking them candy right after being told not to—because let’s face it, that’s what grandpas do best! They’ll also miss their “PA” and his legendary trips to the snow cone shack, where he swore, he was helping them make healthy choices.

Rick retired from Graphic Packaging (formerly Smurfit-Stone Container), where he was a "mechanic" on the sewing line—yes, it sounds cooler than it was. In his downtime, he enjoyed cranking up classic rock and even took a cross-country trip to see The Eagles with his kids. He was a proud member of the American Legion Riders Hopedale, Ohio Chapter, and escorted the traveling Vietnam wall around Ohio more times than we can count. Rick always had a saddlebag full of beads and a camera ready to capture all the fun—and mischief.

In 2019, he ticked off a bucket list trip to Jamaica, returning home with a few braids in his goatee and stories that may or may not have involved him needing a wheelchair to get through customs.

At Rick’s request, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be reunited with Linda’s in the afterlife. The family will honor his military service on June 6, 2025, at 10:15, at Houston National Cemetery (10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038). The dress code is simple: if you know Rick, you know he hated dressing up, so wear your best Harley attire! Some of their ashes will also be scattered back on the old farm in Ohio, where it all began.

If you have a funny story or a picture to share, we’d love to hear it! Feel free to post them below or follow the link to have them printed in the guest book.

Rest easy, Dad. We will take some of your last words to heart and “go on about our business” because we know you are with Mom again.  May your rides be smooth, your stories be legendary, and your snow cones always cold!