Louis Alexander moved into his new life on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the age of 85.

Born in Henderson, NC, he was the first child of Prentiss Louis Alexander and Lewell Maureen Warren Alexander.   He grew up among loving family and friends in Selmer, TN, and El Paso, TX.  He graduated from Ysleta High School in 1957, and immediately began a four-year stint in the Air Force where he spent most of his time at Webb AF Base, Big Spring, TX.  It was there that he met and married the love of his life, SheraLyn (Sheri) Webber on Aug. 19, 1960.  They were married 65 years.

After his tour of duty ended, the couple moved to UT-Austin where he earned a B.A. in biology.  While at UT, an education professor pulled him aside to tell Louis that he had the makings of a master teacher and encouraged him to go into teaching.  Soon the couple moved to Kingsville, TX, where he received a master's degree in biology from Texas A&I.  He then spent 10 years teaching in the Bishop and Kingsville schools.  While at Kingsville High School, he was voted the first Teacher of the Year by the student body.

The family, now increased with the birth of Clayton Louis, moved to Houston where Louis earned a second master's degree in public health administration from UT-School of Public Health.  Afterwards he worked two years on Federal DHEW regulatory projects before signing on with Harris County TX Health Department as the Chief of Health Planning, a position he held for the next 25 years.  At his retirement he was honored by the Harris County Commissioner's Court, which not only gave him an opportunity to give a sincere farewell speech but also declared that day as Louis Alexander Day in Harris County.

In retirement Louis, always a man of faith noted for his Bible teaching at the churches he attended, turned his energy to helping those with a need.  He and Sheri volunteered for three months at Southern Cross Bible College in Sydney.  At Grace Church, which he attended since 1988, he led the visitation team for several years.  He spent time visiting the sick and shut-ins in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers and private homes (upon request).

Louis had a unique sense of humor, an encyclopedic memory, an innate kindness and gentleness that drew people to him.  He loved people, and enjoyed their company.  He kept in contact with many of his high school and Air Force friends until his death.  He was asked to be the Ysleta High School class of 1957 speaker at their 30 and 35th reunions.  He loved to hunt and talk about shooting sports.  He had a soft spot for cats, and always had them around in his later years.

Louis is survived by his wife, Sheri, son, Clayton (Georgette) of Nashua, NH, and two nephews.

The service honoring Louis's life will be held 11am, Friday, November 15, 2024, at Grace Church on the Gulf Freeway. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow Monday, November 18, 2024, at 1:15pm, at Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to memorialize Louis you may donate to Grace Church Seniors' Ministry or Pleasant Hills Children's Home, P.O. Box 1177, Fairfield, TX 75840