Joseph K. Alexander

Joseph Kunkle Alexander, 94, died Tuesday, July 23, 2002, at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, where he had lived for the past two years.

Mr. Alexander was born May 23, 1908, in Mount Solon, and was a son of the late Dr. Joseph L. and Lynwood Kunkle Alexander.

He moved to Staunton in July 1916. He attended Staunton public schools, the Augusta Military Academy and the University of Virginia. He retired in April 1979 as president of Pancake Mutual Insurance Company.

Mr. Alexander joined First Presbyterian Church on March 31, 1918, and served as president of the Men’s Bible Class. He was also a deacon and elder and past president of the Men of Lexington Presbytery. He was president of the Young Men’s Civic Club, the Underwriter’s Association and the Staunton P.T.A. He was a corporator for King’s Daughters’ Hospital, a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Phi Delta Theta.

He was a second lieutenant in the Virginia Reserves Militia during World War II. He was chairman of camping and activities for the Boy Scouts and was awarded the Silver Beaver, B.S.A. and Vigil Honor, B.S.A.

On Feb. 5, 1937, he married Charlotte Stedman Harper, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Joseph K. Alexander Jr. of Laurel, Md., and Catherine A. Meck of Harrisonburg; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Drs. L. Randolph Harrison and J.H.J. Vernon will conduct a graveside service 11 a.m. Thursday at Thornrose Cemetery.

There will be no public viewing or visitation at Hamrick Funeral Home, but friends may call at the home of Nancy and Henry Carey, 1430 Dogwood Road in Staunton, from 4 to 7 this evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to the RMH Hospice, 235 Cantrell Ave., Harrisonburg, Va., 22801 or First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Frederick St., Staunton, Va., 24401.