The Rev. Dwain E. Alexander, 74, Celina, died at 12:08 a.m. Feb. 20, 2015, in the emergency department of Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born July 18, 1940, in St. Marys, to Reuben and Florence (Leonard) Alexander, who are deceased. On Feb. 10, 1961, in St. Marys, he married Carole L. Nickerson, who survives.

Also surviving are six children, Steven (Joni) Alexander, Englewood, Jeffrey Alexander, St. Marys, Scott Alexander, St. Marys, Christopher Alexander, St. Marys, Melissa Alexander, St. Marys, Tina Alexander, Minster, and Brian (Lesley) Alexander, St. Marys; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Deceased are brothers, John Alexander, Kenneth Alexander and Charles "Sonny" Alexander, and sisters, Onnolee "Billie" Brewer, Betty Davis and Jean Gibson.

He was a 1959 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School, Wright State University and Indiana Wesleyan University. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam era.

He was an ordained minister, serving congregations at the First Wesleyan Church, St. Marys, and the United Brethren in Christ Church, Celina. He also served as a substitute teacher in Auglaize and Mercer counties.

His favorite pastimes included traveling, playing cards, watching old western movies and supporting The Ohio State Buckeyes. He devoted many hours to ministering to the residents of area nursing homes.

Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West Chapel), St. Marys. Military honors will follow the services at the funeral home.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.