Laymon "Alex" Alexander

** For those who wish to join us remotely, a livestream of Alex’s funeral service will be available in the video window below this obituary. Please gather with us in honoring his memory from wherever you are**

Laymon (Alex) Alexander, 104, passed away at Pilgrim Manor on November 12, 2024. Alex was born in Slaughters, Kentucky, to the late Thomas and Linda (Travis) Alexander. He graduated from Weaverton High School in 1939. He moved to South Bend where he married his beloved wife Ethelmae Hoadley on September 28, 1946, who preceded him in death.

Alex was preceded in death by his two brothers and 3 sisters; Hoyte, Bennett, Christine, Pauline, and Anne. He is survived by his younger sister Jewel Riddle. He is also survived by his two daughters, Linda (John) Bamber of Granger and Brenda (Mike) Downey of Plymouth; seven grandchildren, Lisa (Tim) Hankins, Sean (Jill) Downey, Tony (Jessica) Bamber, Kevin (Kensey) Downey, Ryan (Heather) Downey, Nick (Tana) Bamber, and Erin (Jeff) Fox; and twelve great-grandchildren, Grace and Aubrey Bamber, and Jack, Brett, Morgan, Addie, Jake, Kellen, and Avery Downey, and Allie, Sammie, and Kate Fox.

Alex served in the Army from 1942-1945 and took great pride in being a Veteran. Over the course of his working career, Alex worked at Studebaker, owned a Dixie Cream Donut Shop, worked at Tip Top Bread, and retired from Butternut Bread as a supervisor in 1982. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wall Street where he served as a Deacon.

He enjoyed bowling and golfing with his friends and spending time with his family. He was a lifelong Notre Dame and Cubs fan. In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and making gifts for his family and friends. (Especially college bird houses and swings.) Alex loved going to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather with a wonderful sense of humor who will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 12pm funeral service on Friday, November 15 at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home in Mishawaka, with military honors to follow in Fairview Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice at www.CFHcare.org . To light a virtual candle, share a story of Alex’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.