Poplar Grove, IL

Claude E. Alexander, 86, of Poplar Grove, IL passed away Wednesday evening, May 14, 2014 in his home after a sudden illness.  Claude was born July 28, 1927 in Bicknell, IN, the son of Jesse and Ruby G. (Overton) Alexander.  He married Violet M. Christy on February 26, 1948 in Kentucky.  Claude was a machinist for several Rockford area machine shops.  He was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps arriving in Germany at the end of World War II, providing humanitarian relief and well as environmental cleanup.  Claude and Violet enjoyed camping at Blackhawk Campgrounds, a place they went to for over 30 years.  He loved to dance with his wife; was a fan of the Chicago Bears and Bulls and was a lifelong Democrat.  Claude was a former member of John Hugo Kaiser Post VFW Post 1461 and the Belvidere Moose Lodge.

Claude is loved and will be missed by his children, Barbara Kay Rowe and Robert (Sandra) Alexander both of Poplar Grove, IL; grandchildren, Katherine Roach, Jason (Stephanie) Roach, Robert C. Alexander; great-grandchildren, Noah Wright, Ava Mae Wright, Violet Mae Roach and Elliot Roach; Claude is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Violet, grandson, David Whalen; brothers Robert Alexander of Bicknell, IN, Jessie B. Alexander of Poplar Grove; niece Roberta Alexander of Poplar Grove and nephew, Jesse B. Alexander II of Poplar Grove.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2014 at Highland Garden of Memories with military rites conducted by the American Legion Boone Post 77 and John Hugo Kaiser VFW 1461 combined ceremonial unit.  Memorials can be given in care of Claude's family.  Arrangements by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com