John Harmon Alexander

John Harmon Alexander, 85, of Robinson, IL, left this earthly existence to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 2:57 p.m., surrounded by his family at his home in Robinson.

Born on March 23, 1938 in rural Oblong, IL to Lex T. Alexander and Lillie Dale (Sholders) Alexander, John pursued his dream of being a professional country music musician shortly after graduation from Oblong High School in 1955. In addition to playing guitar and singing for, and with, some of the industry's great talents of the day, highlights of his stay in Nashville included performing at some of the premier Music City locations like the Ryman Auditorium and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. Following his brief stint in Nashville, John returned to Crawford County to marry the love of his life, Barbara Marie Faith on September 2, 1959. Together they made a home filled with love and laughter for nearly 64 years.

John was predominantly known professionally in the area for his 33-year insurance career with Prudential but he was also employed prior to that as a telegraph operator for the Illinois Central Railroad for nearly seven years. Even though his career in country music did not go as planned, John spent his entire adult life singing and playing guitar in various venues. He especially enjoyed singing gospel music and was often asked to provide his voice talents at several church-related events. His love of music was so strong that even in his final days, when he barely had breath to spare, he was able to sing a song to the hospice nurses attending to him. Despite his condition, both nurses were moved by the quality that his voice still possessed.

In addition to being survived by his wife, Barbara, John is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Karla & Doug Roberts (Robinson, IL) and his son, Dennis Alexander (Casey, IL); by five grandchildren, James Scott & Bridget Roberts (Newburgh, IN), Jordon Roberts (Robinson, IL), Jonathan & Jennifer Alexander (Avondale, AZ), Christine & Kevin Grewal (Selma, CA), and Phillip Alexander (Fresno CA); and by seven great-grandchildren, including Weston Roberts (Robinson, IL) and Paxton Roberts (Newburgh, IN). Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Karon Inboden (Robinson, IL); his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Betty & Charles Alspach (Hardinville, IL); his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Lavern & Rose Faith (Cedar Grove, TN); and by several nieces and nephews.

Preceding John in death were his parents; his brother & sister-in-law, Vernon & Roberta Hanson, Jr.; his sister & brother-in-law, Normadale & Glenn Bruer; his mother-in-law & father-in-law, Fern Marie (Swayze) Faith & Charles Raymond Faith; his brother-in-law, Byrl Inboden; his brother-in-law, Raymond L. Faith; and his sisters-in-law, Sue (Faith) Alspach and Reta (Faith) Lambert.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 14th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15th, at the funeral home, with Pastors Shane Bopp and Mike McElyea officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Tohill Cemetery, rural Flat Rock. Memorial contributions may be made to "Highland Church of Christ", and any donations will be used to support its youth worship ministry. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.