Ernest Joseph "Ernie" Alexander Jr.

Ernest Alexander Obituary

Funeral services will be held at an 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Jan. 20, at St. Pius X Catholic Church for Ernest Joseph Alexander Jr., 78, who passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, at 6:40 p.m. at his residence. The Rev. Steve LeBlanc, pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church, will be celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Entombment will take place in St. John Cemetery. Mr. Alexander Jr., a native of Port Allen and a longtime resident of Lafayette, was the son of the late Ernest Joseph Alexander Sr., of Port Allen, and the former Dolores Cronan, of West Baton Rouge. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Ernie was a strong and important voice of the local and state Republican Party, and was also widely recognized for his many accomplishments in the fields of education, broadcasting and community affairs. Some of his many accolades include: Outstanding Teacher in Lafayette Parish, Outstanding Speech and Debate Coach in Louisiana, author of "A Programmed Guide to Teaching Radio and Television in Lafayette Parish Schools" and past president of Lafayette Parish Association of Educators. He had also been a past president of Mid-Acadiana Broadcasting Corp., board member of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, co-owner and general manager of KMDL and KFTE radio stations, inducted into the Louisiana Broadcaster Hall of Fame, former Channel 3 evening weatherman, Louisiana state representative for District 43, member of the Republican State Central Committee, member LABI, CABL, NFIB and PAR, chairman of the Lafayette Republican Party, honored with dedication of a special "Ernie Alexander Library" in the Lafayette Tea Party Headquarters, chairman of the Board of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana and award recipient for Outstanding Service to the Community, Outstanding Rotarian, member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Lafayette City-Parish council member, voice of the Lafayette Kiwanis Club Football Jamboree (50 consecutive years), coach and board member of the Lafayette Little League Football program (20 years), board member of the Acadiana Arts Council, board member of the Lafayette Little Theatre, and member of the Acadiana Symphony Association serving as past president. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Champagne Alexander; a brother, John Arlen Alexander and his wife, Carolyn Kimball Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A rosary will be recited Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Visitation will continue Friday from 8 a.m. until the time of services. Pallbearers will be Bobby Wallace, Bobby Castille, Jim Marble, Richard Andrus, Dan Spreafico and Buddy Webb. Honorary pallbearers are Fritz Muller, Ray DesOrmeaux, Ron Gomez, Jourdan Quibodeaux, Kevin Carrier, Lloyd Rochon, LaLa Lalonde and Mert Smiley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made in the name of Mr. Alexander to Hospice of Acadiana would be appreciated. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Briere and staff as well as Hospice of Acadiana. Personal condolences may be sent to the Alexander family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.

Published by The Advocate on Jan. 19, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Many special memories! May God bless!

Dianne Carriere

Friend

January 14, 2020

Shirley, He was so good at what he did, and he did so many different things. We have lived in different cities mostly since high school, and saw each other infrequently but it was always up lifting to see Ernie. Pat and I will miss him. He was a good influence on everyone. We will keep your family in our prayers.

Jake Lowenhaupt

January 20, 2012

There are not many teachers that have had such an impact on my life. People around the world have heard his name because I have been saying for 35 years that he was the best teacher I ever had. What a great man! Our
loss is heavens gain.

Cindy Broussard

January 20, 2012

Shirley, my heart hurts for you. May all your wonderful memories console you.
Kay Lowenhaupt Pye

January 20, 2012

I love, love, love former students sharing their appreciation of their teacher. Teacher, and a very good one obviously, is my favorite way to remember Ernie, but he never actually taught me. It seems I missed out. I knew Ernie best as he was entering his politcal career. He was battling illness then, but he was a trooper & I think he was enjoying life too much to give in. And his voice, that distinctive voice! I loved listening to it. I love the way he enjoyed people, old people, young people, educated or not, he respected them & had a genuine affection for people. He was so sweet to my kids. Ernie Alexander accomplished much in time & he did it with integrity & he appreciated it. We appreciated him. And he loved crossword puzzles!

Gwen Menard

January 20, 2012

A true southern gentleman, Mr. A. was a favorite teacher at Comeaux High when it first opened in the late 60s. He taught with text, but more so by example . . . and the occasional Jeopardy game. Even though life lead me to settle in CA, our paths crossed again briefly as members of the USL (pre-UL) Alumni Assoc. where it became obvious he continued his efforts to support and promote all things Lafayette. He impacted so many in such positive ways.
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. A

Dee (Madeline) Olivier (Lewis)

January 19, 2012

See you later old friend. You will be missed.

Gene Broussard

January 19, 2012

Shirley,
Precious are the memories we have shared over the years. From the days or SLI,to Ernie teaching my children, our time together at Plantation, campaigning,visits,singing, piano, swimming,etc. May the Holy Spirit give you comfort and strength.In Rev. 7:17,we are reminded,"God will wipe away every tear from your eyes."
I offer my love and condolence.

Dianne Carriere (Steiner)

January 19, 2012

Shirley,
I cannot imagine how much you will miss Ernie. We all will. As you know, I knew and admired Ernie as an educator, but got to genuinely know him through Leadership Lafayette. What a fine man! We will all treasure the memories.

Jan Aillet

January 19, 2012

R.I.P. Mr A You were my english teacher at Ovey Comeaux back in my high school days. You will be greatly missed by all you taught and the big smile that greeted us daily. You and your family are in my prayers.

James Broussard

January 19, 2012

I posted my condolences on his Facebook, but in case you did not see it allow me to write these words. My friendship with Ernie goes back to our days at SLI in the 1950's. In my work on televiison we ran across each other frequently. He was a force in Acadiana business and politics and will be sorely missed. You are in my prayers for your loss.
Jack Frost

Jack Frost

January 19, 2012

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