Warren Dale Alexander, 76, unexpectedly passed away at the Rapid City Regional Hospital on October 2, 2014, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Helen (Davis) of Hill City. They were married in Hot Springs on May 2, 1959.

Warren was preceded in death by daughter, Renae; grandson, Clayton Swanson; brothers, Roy and Everett Alexander.

He is survived by a large and devoted family—children, Dallas Alexander, Hill City; Meri Davis (Kurt), Reno, NV; Andra Swanson (Guy), Hill City; Vance Alexander (Lorri), Hill City; Cydnee Gruszynski (Robert), Chugiak, AK; a brother, Rodney Alexander, Rapid City; grandchildren, Jessie DeJong; Zachary, Daniel, and Jacob Koerber; Brandi, Dusty, and Marshall Swanson; Alexa Voorhees; Matea "Mattie" Alexander; Elissa, Gabriel, and Andrew Gruszynski; great-grandchildren Nathan and Caleb Koerber; Jocelyn Fischer, Quintyn Kilcoin, and Emmalyn Voorhees; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Warren was born to Roy and Hyacinth (Hazeltine) Alexander on February 20, 1938, in Rapid City, and grew up in Keystone. He graduated from Hill City High School and attended some classes in athletics coaching at the University of South Dakota before beginning a long career serving the small communities of the Black Hills. The family moved permanently from Keystone to Hill City in 1972.

When Mary Helen was asked to name Warren's primary business, she replied, "Workaholic." At all times of day and in all weather, he could be seen driving a variety of dump trucks and backhoes, or manhandling picks and shovels, helping residents make their living spaces more livable.

Through his primary business, Alexander Excavating, Warren built roads; prepared construction sites, sewer systems, and water lines; and dug cemetery plots for Hill City families. He and son Vance also worked as ranchers, raising cattle and sharing stories of endless late nights and early mornings. A "jack of all trades" and someone who could repurpose just about anything, Warren collected equipment, tools, scrap metal, and old parts—and then used them to fix vehicles and machinery. Used bailing wire and twine were essential.

Although a man of few words—unless sitting under a tree during lunch break with kids, grandkids, or his large assortment of "adopted" family or friends—Warren also was known as the go-to guy during times of need. He always said yes, rain or shine, no questions asked. In the aftermath of his death, the Hill City community has experienced a moment of pause, since Warren's is the first name called in times of crisis; thankfully, his sons Dallas and Vance have a lifetime of training and take the family responsibility seriously.

An avid hunter, and outdoorsman, Warren has been described as "the best friend a guy ever had." He also was the beloved patriarch of the Alexander clan, commonly seen as a lap for a grandchild, the calm co-pilot "teaching" kids to drive a stick-shift, or the guy carting children of all ages on dump truck runs to the gravel pit. His children assume that he has resumed walking across picnic tables on his hands—now that he's in no pain.

Warren will be missed as a fixture in a small community that relied on him as one of their own. The family welcomes one and all to his farewell.
The visitation will be held at Little White Church, from 6–8 PM on Tuesday, October 7. The funeral service will be held at the Hill City School "Gin's Gym" on Wednesday, October 8, at 1:30 PM, with Deacon Pat Coy officiating. Committal will follow immediately at the Hill City Cemetery, and conclude with a reception at the school cafeteria.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Warren's name; contributions can be made care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills, 234 N. 6th St., Custer, SD, 57730; 605-673-4422; mccolleys@gwtc.net.