George McAlexander

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

George McAlexander, 83, passed away on October 3, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most.

Born in Ottawa, Kansas, to Francis Edward and Mary Jane (Peed) McAlexander, George met his wife of 62 years in 1963 after serving in the U.S. Air Force. They raised their three children in the Joplin area, where George worked as a mechanic before beginning a long career as a paint chemist with Precision Mastermade Paints in Carl Junction and later in Joplin. He worked there for more than 30 years before retiring around 2010.

A man of steady passions and practical skill, George was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan—one of the 1960 originals—who unknowingly raised a crew of diehard fans because that’s what happens when you only have one television in the house. He loved fast cars (Fords, especially Mustangs), playing guitar (self-taught), carpentry, drawing, and anything mechanical.

Together with his wife, Lois, George raised, showed, and groomed Shetland Sheepdogs beginning in 1983, earning eight AKC championship titles and numerous obedience awards. The friendships they formed through dog shows became an important part of their lives.

For more than three decades, George and Lois were weekly familiar faces at The Oriental House in Neosho, where the owners and staff became like family.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mary; his brother, Nelson McAlexander; and two sisters, June McAlexander and Mary Launius (Jesse). He is survived by his wife, Lois Fickel; sisters, Delores Genova (Carl) and Sylvia Grant; son, Darren McAlexander; daughters, Terri Kelso (Kendall) and Shannon Sample (Jeff); grandchildren, Taylor Savage (Jack) and Jace Sample; and great-grandchild, Logan Savage.

George will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.