Ashley attended college at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, and graduated from Central State University at Edmond where he was named Distinguished Former Student in 1973.

His teaching years began at Willow Creek country school near Perry.

Later, he was band director, teacher, and principal at Billings, band director at Marshall, Shidler/Webb City and Pawnee.

In 1957, he went to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, where he became Director of Student Entertainers, managing many performances throughout the country and USO overseas tours for the military.

Ashley remained active until his death on March 29, 2002, playing the piano at nursing homes and service organizations.

Mr. Alexander was the music teacher at Shidler and Webb City from 1940-1945. Mr. Alexander had a deep love for music and was a kind-hearted teacher that cared about each student he worked with.  Mr. Alexander continued his music career after teaching by starting a non-profit corporation, the Ashley Alexander Association, in 1975, with his wife, Beverly.  This Association enabled Mr. Alexander and his family to perform musically worldwide at nursing homes and other facilities in hopes of lifting spirits through the joy of music and ministry for 27 years.  The Association is proud to have Alumni and former teachers like Mr. Alexander.  He positively touched the lives of people both young and old.

When the Association contacted Mr. Alexander for his permission to open this fund he was elated and honored. 

                            Letter to District 11 Alumni Association from Mr. Alexander

The Ashley Alexander Memorial Music Fund was officially opened and dedicated at the Association’s annual Business Meeting in 2002. The fund currently stands at $2,100. Special thanks to all that contributed to this fund. Guidelines have been established for the use of these monies and the Association is prepared to disburse amounts for items as they are requested by the Shidler School music program. Please keep in mind that the continuation of this fund depends solely on your support. Because of our alumni, students will be able to “Carry on!!!” with the gift of music during their schooling. Again, thank you! Your support does make a difference.

Update! In 2007 six purchases have been made for the music program, including instruments. Special thanks to all that helped initiate this memorial and continue to contribute to this fund. Your support has already made a difference!

Donations can be mailed to the Ashley Alexander Memorial Music Fund in care of District 11 Alumni  Association at Box 531, Shidler, OK 74652