Michael (Mike) Alexander

Michael (Mike) Alexander, 88, was called home by God on October 26, 2018. He was born in Syracuse, NY, to Guy and Emilie Alexander, both now deceased. Mike grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY, graduated from high school there, and went to sea at age 17 in the Merchant Marines. Mike was fortunate to win a scholarship to Colorado School of Mines, enabling him to work his way through school by means of various summer and campus jobs. He graduated in 1952 as a Geophysical Engineer and began his 38-year career with Humble Oil (now ExxonMobil) as trainee on a seismic field crew. After various office assignments, a “temporary” assignment finally brought him to Houston in 1966. He was assigned to a digital seismic processing team, and then to a newly-formed gravity/magnetics section. After retirement in 1991, he began a second career as a geophysical consultant, primarily with IGC in Houston.

While working in New Orleans Mike met a young nurse, Barbara Wilkins, who was to be the love of his life. They married in 1956 and spent 53 happy years together until her untimely death in 2009. They raised two wonderful, hard-working sons, Steven and Patrick, and were blessed with loving daughters-in-law and two grandchildren. Mike followed their many activities from scouting and Little League to high school football and track. He was a long-time and active member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Houston. He enjoyed outdoor activities, especially running and hunting. Mike, Barbara, and the family were fortunate to make numerous trips together: camping, driving through Europe, and cruising to foreign shores.

Mike leaves behind his son Steven Alexander and wife Catherine Sikora of Georgetown, TX; son Patrick Alexander and wife Trena Alexander of Houston, TX; grandchildren Taylor Alexander of Houston and Alana Alexander of Perth, Australia. He also leaves behind his precious friend Margie Abel and first cousins Jeanne Hansen, Joan Taylor and Peg Guy.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 at eleven o’clock in the morning at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 5020 West Bellfort, Houston, with Rev. Jon Burnham officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to St. John’s Memorial Fund, 5020 West Bellfort, Houston, 77035; Colorado School of Mines Foundation, 1600 Arapahoe St., Golden, CO, 80401; or the charity of your choice.