Kenneth Ray Alexander's Obituary
Kenneth Ray (Ken) Alexander - aka Dad, GranKen, Chief, KR, Kenny Ray - passed away peacefully January 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His graceful handling of his diagnosis and declining health serves as an example to us all. His family is happy to report that Ken is completely well and in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ken was born June 26,1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to Helen Medlin Alexander and Victor Ray Alexander.
When he was four, his family moved to Irving, Texas where he spent his childhood. Ken graduated from Irving High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas. At Baylor he was a member of Kappa Omega Tau Fraternity. (Stories of the KOT brothers’ shenanigans are best left untold.)
Ken spent his career as a Human Resources executive in a variety of industries including retail, healthcare, and financial services. After retirement, he worked as an independent HR consultant.
As a member of First Baptist Church Garland, he served in several voluntary roles and was a long-time member of the Master’s Men Class. He particularly enjoyed working with Path Forward, a ministry perfectly suited to his passion for counseling those seeking employment. Additionally, he served on the Garland board of the Salvation Army.
Ken loved his friends, Baylor athletics, hunting, and Tex-Mex (actually, all food… except beets and turnips). And he was a devoted fan of old-time rock ‘n’ roll. Anyone who spent time with him knows that he loved to tell stories and considered himself a master at telling jokes. (The jury is still out on that.)
One of Ken’s most exceptional accomplishments was bringing together family members and friends to build a vacation home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Those who worked on the project say that the time they spent represented the hardest work they ever did and the most fun they ever had. Their efforts were rewarded. For more than 20 years, the Lone Star Lodge was a place that was loved and enjoyed by those who helped build it.
While he loved his friends, Baylor athletics, hunting, Tex-Mex, and old-time rock ‘n’ roll, what he loved most was Julie, his wife of 57 years, his two sons Adam and Ben, his daughters-in-law Amber and Katie, and his six grandchildren Lauren, Audrey, Jack, Margo, Weston, and Luke. His family was the source of his greatest joy and happiness. Until he was no longer able, GranKen enthusiastically attended his grandchildren’s sports and cheer events, choir concerts, talent shows, and piano and dance recitals. While the grandchildren were in pre-school, he spent each Tuesday afternoon with a different one, picking them up from school and taking them for ice cream or an adventure. Both he and his grandchildren loved and looked forward to what the kids called “GranKen Days.”
In addition to his sons and their families, Ken is survived by his sister Lynn Scoggins and her husband Pat, two nephews Brad and Mitch Scoggins and their families, and several cousins.
The family wishes to thank the remarkable caregivers of Caruth Haven Court who loved, cared for, and laughed with Ken the last 18 months of his life. We will be forever grateful for your kindness and compassion.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the First Baptist Church Garland, McDonald Activity Center, 425 S. 9th Street, Garland, Texas 75040. A reception at the church will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church Garland, Legacy Building Fund, 801 W. Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040, online, or the charity of your choice.
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