Danny Charles Alexander, age 72, was born on March 23, 1952, in Mattoon, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Alexander and Minnie (Way) Alexander. Danny was a man of milestones. Most notably, he became the first man to walk—or rather, have his son Jason Alexander (of Mattoon, IL) meet him—at the halfway point on Highway 55 North, all the way to the Golden Gates on December 25, 2024. Danny passed surround by his daughter, Nicole and grandson "Jack Jack". What a wonderful Christmas gift to his son. His oldest daughter, Nicole Alexander, (Springfield, IL) isn't one to gossip, but if you heard something about shortcuts being taken along the way, you didn't hear it from her. Rumor has it that his daughter Courtney Alexander (Nashville, TN) might have leaked the secrets to those shortcuts.

Danny will be remembered as a devoted father, brother, cousin, and an incredibly reliable friend to many. But above all, his greatest joy was being "Paw-Paw," a role he embraced with pride. His legacy shines through his grandson, Jack Alexander, a "carbon copy of Paw-Paw." Danny's family—his daughters Nicole Alexander, Courtney Alexander, and grandson Jack Alexander ("Jack Jack")—will carry on his legacy, love, and positivity, ensuring that his antics and spirit remain alive.

A celebration of the man, the myth, the legend will be held on Wednesday, January 8, at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home, 530 North 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until the time of the Memorial Service at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society, 1 N Old State Capitol Plaza #501, Springfield, IL 62701.