Dean E. Alexander, age 88, entered into rest on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at his home is Sachse, Texas. He was born on November 26, 1933, on the family farm in Clifton, Kansas to Trefflia and Elizabeth (Esslinger) Alexander. He was the youngest of their seven children.
Dean was a 1951 graduate of Clifton High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kansas State University in 1955. Dean later earned his master’s degree in Business from Webster University in 1973.
He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1979 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his 25 years in the US Air Force, Dean was a Fighter-Interceptor pilot, Flight Training Instructor, Air Ops Officer, TAC Fighter/Special Tactics, and Air Commander.
On December 26, 1955, he married Nanella Racette in Clifton, Kansas. They were blessed with five children, raising them on three continents over the course of his military career.
When Dean retired from the United States Air Force, he and Nanella purchased a gourmet popcorn franchise in a San Antonio, Texas shopping mall. They chose the company name by combining their own names (Dean + Nan = Deanan). Over the next several years, they bought and sold several retail locations. This allowed them to work together and involve the three of their five children still living at home. In 1987, he developed a fundraising program that proved to be so successful, he sold his retail shops. The business continued to grow and is now a nationwide fundraising and manufacturing company. Dean retired in 2005 after 26 years in business, selling Deanan Gourmet Popcorn to his 5 children, who continue to operate it today. His legacy includes a third generation working in the business. Dean was passionate about small business, his family, serving his community, and his faith. Having been an altar boy in childhood, he readily helped whenever the opportunity arose for the rest of his life.
He was a life member of the American Legion Post #227, Clifton, KS, and the Daedalians, the fellowship of military aviators. Community service was a priority wherever he lived. He was a source of wisdom and encouragement to each of his children.
Survivors include his wife, Nanella Alexander, Sachse, TX; daughter, Alisa Martin, Sachse, TX; daughter, Barbara Hodge (John), Sachse, TX; son, Mark Alexander (Karen), Lucas, TX; daughter, Janet Aaron (Victor) Plano, TX; and, daughter, Amy Alexander (Kelli Shepard), Phoenix, AZ. He was a proud grandfather of 8, and great-grandfather of 9. He is also survived by his sisterin-law, Rita Alexander of Clifton, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings.
Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m, Friday, October 21, 2022 at the Chaput Mortuary, Clyde, KS. Family will receive friends after the Vigil/Rosary Service.
Vigil and Rosary will be on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the Chaput Mortuary in Clyde, KS. His funeral Mass will be conducted by Fr. Joseph Kieffer at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Clifton at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022. A light lunch will be served after the graveside service. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Clifton, KS. Military Honors will be conducted by the McConnell AFB, Honor Guard, Wichita, KS.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church (Clifton, KS) in care Chaput Mortuary, PO Box 291, Clyde, KS 66938. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.
