R. Stanley Alexander

R. Stanley Alexander passed away on December 5, 2004, having lived 95 full and happy years. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband of 63 years to Helen Alexander and father to Michael and David Alexander.

Stan was a Topeka resident all of his life, except for time spent at the University of Pennsylvania completing his PhD and a period during World War II when he worked on a project for the Navy helping to set up new radar technology on Navy ships.

After the war, Stan continued his 44 year careeer as a professor of physics and astronomy at Washburn University. He was a gifted and creative scientist, but his most important contribution was as a teacher. He is remembered by generations of students as a caring teacher who inspired many to select careers in science, engineering, or teaching. Inspired by his dedication to helping others understand the world around them, both a son and grandson also pursued careers teaching science. After his retirement from Washburn, he was honored with their Distinguished Service Award.

Among Stans many interests in life were music, photography, and golf. Before he began his caraeer in teaching, he was a professional musician, He was a charter member of the Topeka Civic Symphony, for which he played timpani and percussion for many years.

He was a charter member of the Topeka Camera Club, an Associate of the Photographic Society of America, and a member of their pictorial portfolio. He also did custom work for Wolfes Camera Shop for many years. He loved to travel, particularly because it gave him a chance to photograph new places. He traveled extensively throughtout the US and his one trip overseas was a high point of his life. His photographs from those trips were enjoyed by many during his countless presentations and exhibitions throughout the region.

Stan was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Topeka. He was also an honorary member of the Topeka Gem and Mineral Society and a full member of the national science honorary society Sigma Xi. He installed the first computer at Wasburn around 1970 and remained an avid computer user until a few months ago when his vision deteriorated.

Stan received great pleasure (and occasional frustration) on the golf course. He especially enjoyed playing the Topeka Publc Golf Course, perhaps because his first date with his future wife took place on what is now the site of the tenth green in 1936. His enjoyment of the game continued into his nineties, when he came close to shooting his own age.

Survivors include his wife of the home, sons Michael and his wife, Suzan, of Ann Arbor, MI; David and his wife, Georgia, of Derby, KS, grandsons, Patrick Alexander of Chicago, IL; and Stephen Alexander of Wichita, KS and a sister, Ernestine Sumey of Casper, WY.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2004, at 10:30 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Klasse Chapel, 600 SW Harrison, Topeka, KS. Mr. Alexander will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel after noon on Wednesday. Visitiation will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th, Topeka, KS 66614; the Aldersgate Good Samaritan Fund, 7220 SW 29th, Topeka, KS 66614 or the First United Methodist Church.

Onlin condolances may be made to www.penwellgabel.com