James Hercel Alexander

James Hercel Alexander died at the age of 98 at the Putnam County Care Center on April 11, 2017.

Hercel was born on March 22, 1919, to William and Courtney (Hendrix) Alexander. He attended Mt. Vernon school. Hercel married Emma Viola Scalf on December 21, 1939. To this union four children were born: Patricia (Tom) Wilcox of Kansas City, Missouri, Mary Jane (Robert) Robb of Mission, Texas, Nancy (Jim) Ryals of Lincoln, Nebraska, and John Alexander of Kirksville, Missouri. Hercel has 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Hercel’s farm was homesteaded in 1883. He bought it from his father in 1960 and lived there until 2012. From age 16 to 76, Hercel worked shearing his own sheep and he sheared sheep for others in the community as well. He also worked at the Unionville Sale Barn for 47 years. Hercel liked people and was never too busy to visit or help someone. Hercel was a regular at Cattleman’s Café. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and playing cards. He attended West Liberty Baptist Church.

Hercel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Viola, on November 5, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Henry and Herman, his sisters Mabel, Hazel, Pearl, and Mae, and several nieces and nephews. Hercel is survived by his younger brother Hallie of Unionville, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home on April 17, 2017, at 3:00 pm with visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 on the same day as the service. Internment is at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the West Liberty Baptist Church and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.