Tom G. Alexander, Milford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 23, 2016. He was born Sept. 5, 1930, to Myrl and Violet (Colbert) Alexander; in Silver Lake, on his grandparents family farm.

In 1937, his family moved to Claypool, where he grew up on his parents farm east of town, with his brothers John, Robert (Bob) and Howard. Tom was a 1949 graduate and former basketball player at Claypool High School. In 1950, Tom started working for Dana Corporation (Weatherhead) in Syracuse, and retired after 39 and one half years in 1989. A favorite of growing up in Claypool was of course spending time on the farm raising pigs and in the woods. Especially, the family reunions held twice a year at the woods until 1983.

Tom was married to Darlene Lowery for 12 years and was the father of two children: Shannon Gene Alexander; and Jada Alexander-Sackschewsky. In addition Tom raised his step-daughter, Shawn (Lowery) Bohnstedt and step-son Ryan Niles. Tom was a proud father to all of his children and enjoyed spending time with all of them. He taught them how to play euchre and raised his daughter Jada. He also became a back-up dad to many of Jada’s friends while they were growing up in Milford. He especially enjoyed steam tractor and locomotive shows with his daughter and grandsons. From his love of farm equipment, he became an avid collector of trains and tractors which his grandchildren have all enjoyed for years at their Grandpa Tom’s home.

After Tom retired, he became a fan fixture at Milford’s baseball and little league games. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed watching basketball, whether school, college or professional. In addition, Tom was a regular for coffee with his friends and neighbors at Milford Stop N’ Go and lunch at Whetten’s Pizza every weekday. He was always with his dog Buddy (and Sash) after he retired from Dana.

Tom’s son; brothers; and parents preceded him in death.

Tom is survived by his daughter; stepchildren; five grandsons; five granddaughters; and four-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law: Mazie Alexander; and many many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Milford. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Claypool.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Animal Welfare League of Warsaw.