Merville Wayne Alexander, 74, of Mexico, passed away on Saturday, June 27, at Pin Oaks Living Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park. Mike Brandenburg will be officiating the service.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at Arnold Funeral Home.

The family has asked that everyone dress casually as that is what Merville would want.

Merville was born on March 17, 1952, in Centralia, the son of Nelson and Florence (Ball) Alexander. He was a graduate of the Centralia High School class of 1970. On May 5, 1978, he married Barbara Davis in Mexico.

He started his career at the March Family Farm before beginning a career that included positions at Hubbell/Chance, Oliver Transportation, Callaway Carriers and Central Metals.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing…especially snagging, hunting, and following NASCAR. He was an avid viewer of the Game Show Network and rarely missed an opportunity to meet friends for a cup of coffee at Hardee's. He was a loyal supporter of Centralia football and treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren, who brought him his greatest joy.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Alexander; three children, JB Baker of Hallsville, Paul (Rachael) Baker of Centralia and Amy (Ben) Strain of Centralia; six grandchildren, Hannah (Embry) Adkisson, Landon (Emilee) Adkisson, Ian White, Lucas Baker, Ethan (Brandy) Strain and Chris (Kristen) Strain; four great-grandkids, Bridger, Austin, Carter and Taylor.

Merville was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Florence; a brother, Archie Alexander; and a sister, Lorene Barnes.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice Compassus. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.