Clayton “Falling Leaf” Alexander, 67, died at his home in West Kingston, RI January 26, 2023 the same day as his son, Rudolph V. Alexander. He was married to Janet (Girard) Alexander who helped raise his children by Vicky Lamphere and several grandchildren.

After many years of employment as an RI Operator of the Suez Wastewater Treatment Plant in Newport, RI, Clayton retired due to illness. He completed his basic education and went on to receive several trainings and certifications in Constructions Safety and Health and OSHA. Overlapping the last twenty years, Clayton worked on call with the Narragansett Indian Tribe Historical Preservation Office. Clayton was multi-skilled with many talents; he worked as a stone mason throughout RI & CT area, a tree surgeon, a wood carver, and a bodyguard in the past to name a few.

A generous and loyal man with a great sense of humor - Clayton quickly gained friends from all genres, backgrounds and cultures. As a teen he met “DaKid”, one who became one of many of his lifelong friends.

Rooted deeply in the earth, Clayton was one of the few tribal members who carried the traditional ways and knowledge of survival skills. Often he would make his own tools for hunting, or gathering shellfish from the ocean, which was his second home. Clayton was a diligent teacher of tradition to his children & grandchildren taking them blue shell crabbing, fishing, identifying herbal plants, skinning a deer. He would search mushrooms from the window of his car, prep, jar and gift them.

He was referred to as a “70s Indian”, he thought nothing of recruiting warriors to fight on the New York/Canadian borders alongside his tribal brothers to protect their land.

It was not unusual to see him driving down the country road, slapping his hand on the outside of the car door of his ‘Indian car’, and singing to the top of his lungs “I Shot the Sheriff” or his favorite by Redbone, “Come and Get Your Love”.

Clayton had a zest for life and wore a mischievous grin, adored by his kids and grands who fondly called him “Popeye”, whose massive arms often held them.

Preceded in death are his parents Olive (Johnson) Whitford, Rudolph V. (Babcock) Peckham and his brother Larry Alexander.

Clayton is survived by his sons Clayton Jr, Montana and daughters Chekesu and Divine, by his sisters Sharon E. Alexander, Sherleen Rose and Cheryl A. Walmsley (all from RI) and Cherie Girard from CT, 14 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held for Clayton on February 7, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Narragansett Indian Burial grounds followed by a 1:00 pm Coalition in the Upper parking Lot. As a dad, Popeye, brother, cousin or lifelong friend, Clayton wearing that grin will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to his son Clayton Alexander, Jr, 17 Turano Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Narragansett Indian Tribe, family & friends who provided support, prayers and comfort during these difficult times along with much appreciation to thank the Avery-Storti Funeral Home for their support & kindness.