Ronald “Moe” W. Alexander, 70, of Columbia City, passed away Friday, April 17, 2015, at his home.

Born May 20, 1944 in Whitley County, he was the son of Harry C. and Buelah (Juillerat) Alexander.

Ron received his education at CCJHS, Columbia City. He also took courses at IU/PU and Ivy Tech. He started his life of working at age 11, helping area farmers and making hay. He also worked over the years at Pure Oil Gas Station, Wally Simmons Excavating, Coca-Cola, Dale Johnson Home Improvement Co., LML and Rivera Cruiser Boats, Weatherhead Co. of Columbia City. Ron started at International Harvester, Fort Wayne in 1965 until it closed in 1983. At that time Ron started Alexander Excavating. He also founded the A&W Disposal Co. in 1983 with the late Guy Wood. In 1993 Ron and son, Kevin, sold Alexander Excavating, Inc. Ron then returned to Indianapolis Navistar Engine Plant to finish out his retirement. Ron retired on Dec. 23, 2003, and moved back to Columbia City to spend time with Ron and Karen’s family.

After his retirement, Ron worked for W.A. Jones, Columbia City for two years as a truck driver picking up and delivering trucks in Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio. Ron has lived in Columbia City all of his life except from 1965 to 1978 at which time he lived in Allen County, during the 18 years he worked at International Harvester. He was elected vice president of UAW Local 57 and several other Local 57 offices for a total of 16 years as a Local 57 representative serving the 7,500 members of Local 57. Ron was instrumental in starting the GED program, working with the state of Indiana for Local 57 workers, which allowed over 3,000 Local 57 members to receive their GED Diploma. Ron also was one of the first to serve on the UAW 30 and out committee at the national level. He was appointed by UAW Region 3 office to teach class when other areas Local Unions were on strike. UAW Region 3 also appointed Ron on several Indiana elections to help on the campaigns of U.S. congressmen and senators.

Ron was also elected financial secretary of Allen County UAW Cap Council and was elected a delegate to the UAW Region 3 Cap Council for Indiana and Kentucky for a number of years. While working at the Indianapolis plant Local 98 he was appointed insurance rep for a period of time. Over the 16 years Ron was a UAW Local 57 union official he attended several UAW schools and seminars which were held in several states. Ron was active in the Allen County Democratic Party which he served as a Precinct Committeeman and Ward Chairman for Adams Twp. He also was a delegate to the Indiana Democrat State Convention.

Ron has been a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church since 2004, at which time he served on the board of trustee’s and administrative council. Over the years he has been a member of the Moose, Elks, Eagles Lodge, T.P.A., AARP and the UAW. He enjoys traveling while an UAW official and after his retirement with his wife Karen. He is very proud to have been in every state of the United States, except for Alaska during his lifetime. One of his favorite things was playing cards with family and friends and being able to enjoy his grandkids. Ron also enjoyed helping other people in time of need and hardship.

Survivors include his wife: Karen S. Alexander; children: Kevin (Jody) Alexander, Columbia City; Kelly (Phil) Peterson, Avilla; step-son: Jim (Harriett) Brown, Columbia City; step-daughters: Julie (Jay) Nordram, Joyce (Terry) Hull, Jennifer (Thor) Hodges all of Columbia City; brother: Robert (Nancy) Alexander and Dwight (Sharon) Alexander, both of Columbia City; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Betty Marrs; and brothers: Kenneth, Harold and Richard Alexander.

Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 7p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at DeMoney-Grimes, a life story funeral home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the Columbia City United Methodist Church with Pastor David  Arnold officiating. Burial to follow at Nolt Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his memory to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Assoc.