Donald Benjamin Alexander, of Jerseyville, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, just a week after celebrating his 17th birthday. Born in Jerseyville, Illinois, on Oct. 31, 2007, Donald came into this world with a mischievous grin and a spirited heart that never let up. His time here was nothing short of a jam-packed adventure filled with love, laughter, and entrepreneurial escapades that kept everyone guessing what his next big idea would be.
As the first of Seth and Julie’s trio of kids, Donald was a true “boys’ boy” through and through: hunting deer, ducks and pheasants with a dedication that rivaled any seasoned outdoorsman. A junior at Jersey Community High School and dating back to his younger years at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School, Donald had a natural talent and love for sports. He participated in football, basketball and baseball, which was his true passion. He took his glove and bat across several states as a key player on multiple traveling teams. With dreams of going pro, Donald lived for the game and played it with a heart as big as his goals. But, just in case the MLB wasn’t calling his name, he kept a full portfolio of “backup plans,” which included a budding lawn-mowing empire, a car-detailing side hustle and part-time jobs at Farm and Home Supply and Grafton Oyster Bar. If anyone was going to make that million dollars, it was Donald, or at least he had everyone convinced.
Donald wasn’t just out to fill his own pockets—he had a heart big enough for everyone around him. Recently he proudly purchased a car for his younger sister Maggie, paid for with his hard-earned savings. It was just one of many ways he showed his love, proving that he was the kind of brother, son, grandson and friend who always found ways to make the people around him feel special.
Never one to do anything quietly, Donald was larger than life, and so was his circle of friends. He collected friends and followers like most people collect hobbies. If he wasn’t leading an entourage out on an adventure, he was making everyone laugh with his jokes, charm, and boundless energy. Over the last year, if Donald wasn’t hunting or making money, he was with his girlfriend, Sophie Fraley and his friends, making unforgettable memories and having the time of their young lives.
Donald leaves behind his proud parents, Seth and Julie; his two sisters, Maggie and CC; his grandparents, Don and Nancy Elliott of Jerseyville and Becky Alexander of Grafton; his great-grandma, Frances Bray of Jerseyville; his aunts and uncles, Chad Richards of Grafton, Luke and Tana Alexander of Godfrey, Mary and Garrett Ingram of Mt. Sterling and Laura and Craig Fallin of Jerseyville; his cousins, Reahn (Zach) Niswander, Henry, Leo and Vince Ingram and Arthur, Elliott and Lois Fallin; many great aunts, uncles and cousins, who were all better for having known him; along with countless friends who will forever carry a piece of his light, his laughter, and his unstoppable energy. Although he didn’t get to reach his million-dollar milestone, he left his family and friends richer by giving them all a lifetime’s worth of joy and memories.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Dr. Charles Alexander and his great grandparents, Clifford “Basket” and Thelma Alexander, Richard and Glenda Prough, John and Theresa Bray and Leo and Thelma Elliott.
In true Donald style, let’s all gather to say goodbye with a smile – just as he would have wanted.
Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Donald’s incredible life at Crawford Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 from 3 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Martin Smith officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to the family, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, to assist in the placement of a monument at his gravesite.
Here’s to you Donald: may the fields be full of game, the bases always loaded, and the business ideas endless. In honor of his memory, may we all keep hustling, dreaming big, and lifting each other up – just like he always did. LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!