Deacon Hosea M. Alexander, Sr., 95, entered into eternal rest on July 9, 2026. He leaves a legacy of unwavering faith, devoted service, intellectual curiosity, and deep love for his family. Throughout his life, he inspired every community he touched through his integrity, humility, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to God.
Born on December 9, 1930, in Valentine, Arkansas, Hosea was the son of Alzada Parker Alexander and Sterling Alexander. He was lovingly raised in part by his grandparents, James Parker and Zeola Parker, whose Cherokee and African American heritage, strong faith, and work ethic helped shape his character. From an early age, he developed a love of learning, mechanics, and the outdoors — interests that would influence the course of his life.
As a youth, he lived in St. Louis and Chicago before graduating from Sumner High School in St. Louis. In 1948, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he rose from private to sergeant and earned the distinction of Special Cadre through his exceptional abilities and leadership. During his service, he received a trophy at Fort Riley, Kansas, for being the best new quarterback — an achievement remembered fondly by those who served with him.
Building upon the discipline and leadership he developed in the Army, Hosea studied engineering at the University of Notre Dame, earning his bachelor's degree in 1962. He later earned a master's degree in management sciences as well as a master's degree in theology, where his studies included the Enneagram and spiritual formation.
In 1955, while visiting Los Angeles, he met Genevieve James, whom he married on December 26, 1955. Together they built a loving family and shared more than seven decades of marriage, faith and partnership. They were blessed with five children: Hosea M. Alexander, Jr., Edward Andrew Alexander, Anita Marie Alexander, Vincent Felix Alexander, and Marion Grace Alexander.
Hosea enjoyed a distinguished career in aerospace engineering, working for at least four major companies, including Rocketdyne, NASA-JPL, Hughes Aircraft and additional advanced engineering firms. He received multiple certificates, commendations, and professional accolades throughout his career. Among his proudest professional accomplishments was the design of the fuel system for the X-15 aircraft, the first to reach the edge of space, while collaborating with legendary test pilot Scott Crossfield. His innovative work on the aircraft's fuel tank helped lay the foundation for advances in American aerospace engineering. He also participated in early flight testing, completing the first glide test in 1959 alongside aerospace pioneer Webb Howell. Later in his career, he contributed to the development of General Motors' electric vehicle braking system,
helping prevent vehicle rollovers. At NASA-JPL, he also applied his systems engineering expertise to help develop the planning blueprint for Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in Watts.
While engineering became his profession, ministry became his life's calling. Hosea and Genevieve entered the Permanent Diaconate Program together, and in 1975 he became the first graduate of the Permanent Diaconate Program in the Western Region. He went on to serve as a deacon at Holy Spirit, St. Agatha, and Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Churches in Los Angeles. Throughout his ministry, Deacon Alexander served with compassion, wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Deacon Alexander will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, uncle, faithful servant of God, accomplished engineer, mentor, and lifelong learner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Genevieve James Alexander; his son, Hosea M. Alexander, Jr., and his infant daughter, Marion Grace Alexander. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter-in-law, Debbie Alexander; his children, Edward Andrew Alexander (Nancy), Anita Marie Alexander, and Vincent Felix Alexander (Charisse); his cherished grandchildren, Raymond, Carol, Edward, Jr., Jeremy; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were enriched by his faith, wisdom, and example. His legacy lives on through his family, the many lives he touched in ministry, and all who were inspired by his example of faith and service. His family takes comfort in knowing that he now rests in the presence of the Lord whom he faithfully served throughout his life.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
Services will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1977 W Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018.
Rosary: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Funeral Mass: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. Deacons to vest in albs and white stoles.
Reception: Following Funeral Mass in the parish hall.
Condolences may be sent to the Alexander Family, 3846 S. Cochran, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
In charity and kindness, please remember the Alexander family and relatives in your Masses and prayers.
