Darrel Alexander

Darrel Dean Alexander, dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son and friend, passed away on June 23 due to heart failure.

Darrel was born on Feb. 25, 1939 in Worland to Eugene Alexander and Eleanor Rataezyk. His father passed away shortly after his birth. His mother later remarried M.R. (Barney) Barnhart, who helped raise him.

In 1960, he married Dixie McAskill. To this union was born four children. Darrel was a hard-working and talented man with a strong work ethic. He was genuinely respected and admired by everyone who knew him. As a young man, he worked in Alaska and flew small aircrafts out of Casper as far as Mexico. Darrel, known by many as “Big D,” built a log home in Big Piney, where he resided for several years until he retired. Following his retirement in 1992, he moved to Ten Sleep, where he lived until the time of his death.

Darrel was a skilled wood worker, knife maker and silver jewelry maker who perfected his hobbies into art. Several of his knives have been published in Blade and other knife magazines. They can also be found in knife collections across the country. He enjoyed spending time with his family, whether coming to Worland for a family dinner or traveling to see one of his children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Brittney Wilson, and brother-in-law, Loyd Worley.

Darrel is survived by his children: Tracey (Larry) Stevens of Salt Lake City, Utah, Ernest (Jill) Alexander of Scotts, Valley, Calif., Dawn Alexander and Leslie (Robert) Brause all of Big Piney. He is also survived by his grandchildren Erin (Kevin) Beckman, Travis, Kennedy and Callan Alexander, Chance and Ty Hebberd and Blake Brause; his great-grandchildren Elizabeth Wilson and Eden Beckman; his father M.R. (Barney) Barnhart; his sisters Jeannie (Raymond) Sharp, Marilyn (Irv) Johnson and Norma Worley, along with many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mass of the Christian Burial took place on June 26 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church with Rev. Hugo Blotsky officiating.

A graveside service was held on June 27 at the Plains View Cemetery in Big Piney with Rev. Peter James Mwaura. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital in care of Bryant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.