Kirby V. Alexander

Kirby Vernon Alexander, of Kokomo, went home to the Lord on March 9, 2014. He was born June 23, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph Vernon and Mabel (Paine) Alexander. He lived his early life in Chicago before moving in March 1942 to Nappanee, Indiana where he graduated that June from Nappanee High School. It was there that he first met the love of his life and future wife, Josephine Alyce Mullett. He attended Purdue University, but was drafted into the U.S. Army in March, 1943. He served in the 180th Infantry, 14th Armored Division. Prior to going oversees to participate in the second invasion of France, he wed Josephine on August 5, 1944 at First Mennonite Church in Nappanee. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 battle stars. He was a devoted husband and father, an active member of his church and supporter of his community. He was a former member of the Kokomo Country Club, and a member of Grace United Methodist Church, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), and the 14th Armored Division Association. A distinguished member of AAMA, Kirby received the association's Charles Martin Hall Award for meritorious achievement and leadership in 1982, and recognition as the association's Outstanding Member in 1988. Left to carry on his memory are his five children, Holly Bardoe of Columbus, Ohio; Bruce (Mary Jo Hardy) of Okemos, Michigan; Barbara of Kokomo, Indiana; James (Gail) of Niles, Michigan; and Scott (Kimberly) of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchildren Matthew (Cheryl) Bardoe; Benjamin (Jennifer Vallier); Emily; Renee (Jeremy) Crabtree; Jamie; Audrey (Troy) Ernsberger; Shelby; Brady; Kirby Jo; and Cooper; great-grandchildren Ethan and Amelia Bardoe, and Tai and Baylee Crabtree; and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins . The family extends it deep appreciation to the staff of Waterford Health Campus of Kokomo for the loving care provided to our father as he approached the end of his life. Friends may call one hour prior to the 11 a.m., Friday, March 14, 2014 memorial service at Grace United Methodist Church of Kokomo, 219 W. Mulberry Street. Burial will take place in Robinson, Illinois at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice. The family is being assisted by Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.