Matt was born on July 4, 1935, in St. Clair County, Missouri, to Purna Roy “PR” Alexander and Mattie Lee Alexander. He was born and raised in Appleton City, where he attended grade school and graduated from Appleton City High School.
Following high school, Matt attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he studied agriculture and was a proud member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. During his time in college, he met the love of his life, Marian Ellinwood, a student at Stephens College. The two were united in marriage on October 15, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and family.
While living in Davenport, Matt worked as a salesman for Rath Meat Packing Company. During this time, Matt and Marian welcomed their first son, Bret, on November 24, 1962. The family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where their second son, Dean, was born on June 2, 1965.
In 1967, Matt and his family returned to Appleton City, where he joined his father on the family farm. Matt spent the remainder of his career as a dedicated cattle and crop farmer, building a legacy grounded in hard work, integrity, and a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. He earned numerous national honors and awards for his work in cattle embryo development and steer quality.
Matt was also a very active and respected member of the Appleton City community. He took pride in supporting local events, building relationships, and contributing to the town he called home throughout his life.
Above all else, Matt was an extraordinary husband, son, and father. He was a devoted family man who took great pride in raising his sons on the family farm and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play sports. He found joy in the simple moments spent with family and in the life he built alongside them.
Matt was also a lifelong fan of University of Missouri athletics and seldom missed a Mizzou football or basketball game.
He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his unwavering dedication to his family, his commitment to his community, and the lasting impact he made on the agricultural industry.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, “PR” and Mattie Lee, his wife, Marian “Punkie”, in 2015, his son, Bret in 2023, and one sister, Betty Moore.
Survivors include his son, Dean Alexander; daughter-in-law, Melodie Alexander; grandchildren: Matthew Alexander, Coleton Alexander, Nicholas (Katie) Alexander, Lauren Alexander (Dalton) Weaver, Riley Blackshear, Ty Cumley, and Cory Cumley; and sisters, Joan Smith and Shirley Quick.
The family suggest any memorials be given to the Appleton City Booster Club and those may be left at the funeral home or given the day of his service at Lakeview by Sue.
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