George W. Alexander (1930-2000) was the first public defender of Washtenaw County, Mich., and in 1975, he was elected judge of the 15th District Court for the City of Ann Arbor.

Obituary

Judge George W. Heap Alexander III of Grayling, Mich., a Clarion County native, died Wednesday, February 23, 2000, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Born October 18, 1930, in Clarion, he was a son of George W. Heap Alexander and Miriam MOORE Alexander, both deceased. Judge Alexander was a 1948 graduate of Clarion High School where he was the quarterback and captain of the undefeated 1947 football team. He attended Denison University in Ohio, where he continued his football career under Coach Woody Hayes. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served in Korea as a second lieutenant. During the Korean Conflict, Judge Alexander received many honors including the Navy Cross for his heroic part in a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. He attained the rank of captain in the Marines.

After duty in Korea, Judge Alexander received a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Michigan. After several years as an engineer, he received his law degree from the University of Michigan and entered law practice in Clarion with his brother, Judge Charles R. Alexander, before returning to Michigan. He was the first public defender of Washtenaw County, Mich., and in 1975, he was elected judge of the 15th District Court for the City of Ann Arbor.

Judge Alexander retired in 1991 and continued to hear cases as a visiting judge. He then followed his interest as a professional trout fishing guide on the AuSable River in northern Michigan. He was a guide for Gates AuSable Lodge and served on the board of directors of Anglers of the AuSable. His writings appeared regularly in the Anglers' publication, The Riverwatch. Judge Alexander also worked diligently for many other conservation organizations. He and his wife, Peggy, enjoyed entertaining their families and friends and his fishing clients in their home, Devil's Elbow, on the AuSable River in Grayling, Mich.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Peggy Alexander, are a daughter, Ann GORDON of Harris burg; two grandchildren, Alexander Gordon and Jennie Gordon of Harrisburg; and two stepsons, Bradley LAMPE of Zeeland, Mich., and Timothy Lampe of Champaign, Ill. He also is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Judge Charles R. and Maxine M. Alexander of Crown; an uncle and aunt, Rex and Maxine HURD of Grand Junction, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will gather for a celebratory wake Friday, March 3, in The Great Room of The Garland Resort, Lewiston, Mich. The family asks that donations be made to Anglers of the AuSable, 403 Black Bear Drive, Grayling, Mich., 49738.

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