Willard F. Alexander, 77, died at his home, eight miles northeast of Mt. Vernon on the Tolle road yesterday from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. His body was found at 7:45 this morning by a neighbor Russell Nelson. The body was in a rocking chair and nearby was a .410 gauge shot gun. Mr. Alexander died from a head wound. Coroner Ben Roeder conducted an inquiry and returned a verdict of death from a self-inflicted wound. Friends told the coroner that Mr. Alexander, who lived alone had been in failing health. He was a retired farmer.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00 pm. at the Union Chapel Methodist church. The Rev. Ross Partridge will officiate and burial will be in Union Chapel Cemetery. The body will remain at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, where friends may call after 6:00 pm Thursday.

Mr. Alexander was born in Jefferson County February 7, 1878, the son of the late Benjamin and Matilda (Rogers) Alexander.

He was a lifetime resident of this county.

He is survived by two brothers, Clarence of Phoenix, Ariz. and George of Commerce, Texas.

A son, Wilton, was killed January 10, 1944 while serving in World War II.

Submitted by Janet Ridenour