Darrel Dean Alexander

Obituary

Darrel Dean Alexander

June 23, 2012

Darrel Dean Alexander, dear Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Brother, Son and friend, passed away on June 23, 2012 due to heart failure.

Darrel was born on February 25, 1939 in Worland, Wyoming to Eugene Alexander and Eleanor Rataezyk. His father passed away shortly after his birth. His mother later remarried M.R. (Barney) Barnhart who helped raise him.

In 1960 he married Dixie McAskill. To this union was born four children. Darrel was a hard working and talented man with a strong work ethic. He was genuinely respected and admired by everyone how knew him. As a young man, he worked in Alaska and flew small aircrafts out of Casper, Wyo. as far as Mexico. Darrel, known by many as "Big D", built a log home in Big Piney, Wyo., where he resided for several years until he retired. Following his retirement in 1992, he moved to Ten Sleep, Wyo., where he lived until the time of his death.

Darrel was a skilled wood worker, knife maker and silver jewelry maker who perfected his hobbies into art. Several of his knives have been published in Blade and other knife magazines. They can also be found in knife collections across the country. He enjoyed spending time with his family, whether coming to Worland for a family dinner, or traveling to see one of his children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Brittney Wilson, and brother-in-law, Loyd Worley.

Darrel is survived by his children: Tracey (Larry) Stevens of Salt Lake City, Utah, Ernest (Jill) Alexander of Scotts, Valley, Calif., Dawn Alexander and Leslie (Robert) Brause all of Big Piney, Wyo.; grandchildren Erin (Kevin) Beckman, Travis, Kennedy and Callan Alexander, Chance and Ty Hebberd, and Blake Brause; Great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Wilson and Eden Beckman; Father: M.R. (Barney) Barnhart; Sisters: Jeannie (Raymond) Sharp, Marilyn (Irv) Johnson and Norma Worley along with man special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mass of the Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church with Rev. Hugo Blotsky officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place one hour prior to services.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., June27, 2012 at the Plains View Cemetery in Big Piney, Wyo. with Rev. Peter James Mwaura. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner's Hospital in care of Bryant Funeral Home, PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.

Bryant Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.