COLONEL CHARLESTON EDWARD ALEXANDER III, MD

Colonel Charleston Edward Alexander, III, MD, age 81, passed away on March 23, 2024, peacefully in his sleep in Dallas, TX. He was born on March 6, 1943 in Bradley County, Arkansas to Charleston Edward Alexander, Jr and Travestine H. Feaster Alexander.

Charleston (Charles) grew up in Warren, AR and attended Bradley County High (HS) School. Charles graduated in 1960 as the salutatorian of his class. After his HS graduation, Charles went to the University of Arkansas - Arkansas Agricultural & Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N) in Pine Bluff, AR where he received a B.S. in Biology-Chemistry in 1964. Charles went to the New Mexico State University from 1964-66 where he received a M.S. in Ecological Physiology. Charles married his college sweetheart, Ora Lee (Gay) Alexander on September 5, 1966 in Marianna, AR. They were happily married for 57 years. Later that same month, Charles entered the University of Arkansas Medical School where he received his Doctorate of Medicine (MD) degree in 1970. His residency training (Obstetrics and Gynecology- OB/GYN) was completed in 1974 at the University of Cincinnati (Ohio).

Charles joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1971 in Cincinnati, OH and in 1974 became a member of the 325th General Hospital in Independence, MO. For 32 years, he served in various roles and capacities including Commander of the 340th Medical Detachment from 1986-1990 and the Chief of Professional Services for the 325th General Field Hospital from 1992-1995. He received many awards, commendations and ribbons during his tenure and retired in 2003 with the rank of Colonel.

In 1974, Dr. Alexander began his private practice career with OB/GYN Medical Services in Kansas City, KS. For 27 years, Charles divided his work between the office, Bethany Medical Center, Providence Hospital and the Wyandotte County Health Department with his colleagues - Clarence Gilmore, MD, Dannie Thompson, MD, and Charles Quinn, MD. In 2001, he joined the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City as an Assistant Professor and physician.  He retired from his medical career in 2012 from the University of Kansas Medical Center- Kansas City celebrating a total of 38 years in medical practice. Charles has delivered countless little miracles’ and shared the same amount of ‘1st’ birthdays with families. 

Charles gave his life to Christ at an early age. He valued his family and serving in the community that he worked. He was a devout member of First A.M.E. Church where he served on the Trustee Board and Finance Committee, sang in the male chorus and loved Sunday School. He also was a Friends of Yates Board member for the Yates Branch Y.W.C.A.  He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Jack and Jill, Inc., UAPB Alumni Association, Theta Boule Fraternity, Jayhawk Frontier Club, and the Midwesterners Club of Greater Kansas City. He was a member of the National Medical Association (NMA) and American Medical Association (AMA), KAW Valley and KCMO Medical Associations.  Charles enjoyed music, dancing, traveling, sports, reading, historical research, and working in his yard and garden.

Charles was preceded in death by his mother and father. Charles is survived by his spouse, Ora of Kansas City, KS. His children -Tara Alexander of Dallas, TX, Corey (Lora) Alexander of Silver Spring MD, Brett (Veronica) Alexander of Keller, TX and His siblings – Ethel Grace (Alex) Washington of Brighton, MI and George (Barbara) Alexander of Warren, AR.  His five grandchildren – Joshua Aaron Alexander, Charleston Frank Alexander, Emma Grace Alexander, Noble Orion Alexander, Landon Syre Alexander. His Aunts – Marion Margaret (Alexander) Poindexter and Sarah Ruby Mae (Alexander) Haynes. His Uncles- John Feaster, Herbert Feaster, Thomas Feaster. Brother-in-Laws, Sister-in-Laws, God-children (Terry Adams, Kenyatta Stepps), Karen Delos Reyes, cousins, extended family, other relatives, and friends.

Your life was a blessing.

Your memory a treasure.

You’re loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

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