Matthew Alexander

Matthew Gerald Alexander, 68, of Soddy-Daisy, and Monroe, La. since 1986, died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home. Mr. Alexander served his country during the Vietnam War, 1966-1968. He was a member of the Armys Elite 82nd Airborne, 269th Combat Aviation Battalion. Many of Geralds health problems stemmed from exposure to Agent Orange while in the field. Honorably discharged in 1972, Gerald worked for DuPont Co. of Chattanooga, until retirement. He also served his community as lieutenant with the North Hamilton County Fire and Rescue in Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., until retirement. Gerald was a patriot and a devoted family man who found his purpose in duty to country, community and family. Mr. Alexander was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ariabelle Alexander; his infant brother, Thomas Andrew Alexander Jr.; his aunts, Myrtle and Mable Alexander; his son-in-law, John Aubrey Watzek, Jr.; his mother-in-law, Ruth Howard Yarnell; his brother-in-law, Donand Hill and his sister-in-law, Lucy Ramsey. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beth Howard Alexander; his daughter, Tracy Alexander Watzek; grandchildren, Katie and Garrett Watzek, Riley and Owen Green; sister-in-law, Patricia Hill; nephews, Mark, David and Greg Hill, Dennis Johnson, and their families; niece, Kathy Porter and husband, Billy Joe and their family; along with many very special great-nieces and nephews and their families. Pallbearers will be Garrett Watzek, Mark Hill, David Hill, Greg Hill, Dennis Johnston, Billy Joe Porter, Issac Howell and Steve Descant. Honorary pallbearer will be fellow Vietnam veteran and family friend, Mark Johnston. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2015, at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Rev. Warren Eckhardt of North Monroe Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home of Monroe. Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. today, July 2, 2015, at Mulhearn Funeral Home of Monroe. The family wished to extend thanks to Lee Ann Jones, his very dear home health care nurse, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home and Premier Hospice. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com.