F.S. "Jack" Alexander

Francis Stewart “Jack” Alexander, 93, Topeka, Kansas, former City of Topeka Water Commissioner, celebrated Topeka High School alumni, appointed by two Kansas governors to state service, and unparalleled raconteur, passed away peacefully Monday, June 24, 2024. Jack was born December 7, 1930, in Iola, Kansas to James Floyd and Agnes Marie Stewart Alexander. When he was a youngster, his mother passed away and his father married Mary Elizabeth “Angel” Saunders who became his second mother in every sense of the word. When the family moved to Topeka, Jack attended Topeka public schools. At Topeka High School, he excelled in basketball and served as the team captain his senior year on the school’s last segregated team, the Ramblers, and graduated in 1949. Jack worked at Goodyear until taking a leave of absence to serve our country in the US Navy for four years during the Korean War. On March 5, 1952, Jack and his beloved Matilda “Tillie” Simon were united in marriage, enjoying more than 71 years together prior to her death, not quite a year ago, on September 14, 2023. Jack was always involved in sports. Coaching his children and their classmates and friends, Jack was the father figure many did not have. He and Tillie welcomed them all into their home and shared their family. Gage Bowl was the site for first Black bowling league in Topeka, which Jack organized. He was the catcher for Ed Marling Hornets fast-pitch softball and was recently inducted into the Topeka High School Sports Hall of Fame. On his return from the Navy, Jack returned to Goodyear where he became active in Local 307-Rubber Workers Union. Union activities ultimately led to his candidacy and election to the office of Water Commissioner in 1973, the first African American to serve on the city commission where he also served as commission president for 10 years. Over the next 34 years, Jack served our community in many areas, boards, counsels and organizations. Some of these included appointments to the Kansas Corporation Commission and as Kansas State Fire Marshal. Jack dedicated his life to sharing his vision in making our world a better place. Jack’s cup was always three-fourths full. He was a simple but real man, always kind and generous, consisting of so many layers. By design Jack was a walking history book not only being a part of so much history but sharing his knowledge and wisdom with any and all. Grateful to have shared Jack’s life are his children, Jack Alexander, Jr. (Jenny), Stephanie Alexander and Terrell Alexander (Lisa); grandchildren, Shannon, Uler III, Alexandrea Simone, Tishawna, Michaella and Marissa; great-grandchildren, Walter “Trey”, Tasia, Uler IV, U’Zyah, U’Niese, Udonis, Usiris, U’Launi, Kelsie, Jason, Bryanna, Akkina, Cionna and Kanyon; seven great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Samuel L. Alexander; and sister, Sadie Katherine Ross-Heflin; and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack was also preceded by their daughter, Patricia Alexander, granddaughters, Lori Ann Alexander and Kori Lea Alexander, his brother, James Floyd Alexander, Jr., and his sister, Doris Marie Taylor Grubbs. Jack’s family will greet friends from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, July 7, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 8, at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th St, Topeka KS 66604. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Parish sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

F.S. "Jack" Alexander

December 7, 1930 - June 24, 2024