Donald Earl Alexander

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donald Earl Alexander (age 91) on Friday, March 20, 2026, just 11 days before his 92nd birthday. He passed away at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke with his loving family by his side.

Don was born to Esther Lavina (Runyan) and George Earle Alexander on March 31, 1934, on the family farm north of Ovid, Colorado. Don was the youngest of 3 children, joining Dorothy and Richard.

Don was part of the Ovid Red Devils completing the 10 th grade before entering into the workforce. He received a Certificate of Achievement from the Boys and Girls 4H Club for completing the 5th year's requirements of the Sugar Beets Club in 1949. He was a member of the Lion's Club. He was a member of the original Platte Valley Customs, worked as a farmhand on various farms in Ovid, Julesburg, and Big Springs. He also worked at the sugar beet factory in Ovid, worked as a custodian at both the Ovid and Julesburg Schools, had an auto repair shop, installed pivot irrigation, and was a city cop in Julesburg. Although he was a man of many trades, Don was mostly known for creating the legacy of D & J Cafe with his wife Jacque on February 4, 1977. After leaving the cafe, Don continued his love for farming, finishing his career helping Jim and Jennifer on Schwartz Farms.

Don married Jacquelyn Faith Reeves on March 18, 1954 in Raton, NM. They had 5 children: Debbie, Ronald, Sherri, Peggy, and Jennifer.

Don was inducted into the Army on May 25 th , 1955, completed basic combat training, spent a month in the infirmary with a back injury sustained outside of military training and was honorably discharged on November 16, 1955.

Don loved his family first and foremost, but also loved farming, square dancing, cars, weekend camping trips, and playing card games with friends and family throughout the years.

Don was a man of quiet strength - the kind you didn't have to question because you could feel it. He didn't seek attention or praise, yet he earned deep respect simply by being who he was: dependable, diligent, and true to his word. He understood the value of showing up, doing what needed to be done, and caring for the people around him in ways both big and small.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Esther and George, sister Dorothy, brother Richard, wife Jacquelyn Faith (Reeves) Alexander (November 12, 2005), Granddaughter Alyssa Faith, 3 angel (grand) babies and 2 angel (great grand) babies that he never got to hold.

Don is survived by his children, Debbie Kuntzsch, Ronald (Dawn) Alexander, Sherri (Randy) Wilson, Peggy Lewis, and Jennifer (Jim) Schwartz. Goddaughter: JanaLee Beal. Grandchildren: Lonnie (Sharee), Lannie (Laura), Laurel (Clint), Justin (Jessica), Lori (Brandon), Cooper (Courtney), Brent (Danna), Brian, Brandy, Chanteal (Nathan), Misti (Dalton), Rhette, Jonathon (Amanda), Christina, Colt (Heather). Great Grandchildren: Sierra (Travis), Hailey, Asher, Maegan (Treavor), Trystan (Sarah), Kaleb, Renee, Kally, Traceur, Connor, Hannah, Dannika, Jacob (Ivy), Emily (Brigham), Axel, Adrian (Aspen), Degan, Harley, Jaxon, Noah, Bentley, Oaklynd, Cadence, Paisley, Royce, Delaney, Keyanna, Harper, Quade. Great Great Grandchild: Julius. Great-grandson and great great-granddaughter are expected in June.

Don was a man of God, had great love for the Lord, and was a longtime member, becoming a Deacon Emeritus of the Christian Church in Julesburg.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Julesburg Christian Church with Pastor Alan Harris officiating. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery south of Julesburg. The family requests that the color blue be worn in honor of Don's favorite color.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.