Alex B. Darjean

Alex (Butch) DarJean passed away on March 25, 2023. He started his career in computers in the U.S Air Force in 1965 as a keypunch operator, then moved into computer operations and computer programming in 1967. He continued his career with the Air Force and in 1979 earned a meritorious service medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Air Force. Alex retired in 1980 as a computer systems superintendent. While in the military, Alex earned his Bachelors in Mathematics from Central State University. After his retirement, he also earned a Masters in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
Alex left the military and joined corporate America where he worked for major fortune 500 companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). An example of his achievements include one position he held with Digital Equipment where he directed the activities of over 55 computer scientists and engineers while allocating and monitoring a yearly budget of over $5 million dollars. The primary directorate of his work at that time was the development of a $170 million dollar requirements data bank, management information system for the Air Force Logistics Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. This system required development of over four million lines of computer code and management of megabytes of data using a relational data base management system. That doesn't sound like a lot today, but back in 1980, Alex was working on cutting edge computer technology. Alex was a member of the Society of Logistics Engineers (S.O.L.E.) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Alex was also active outside of work. From coaching youth football in the 1970's, to his work with Central State Alumni Association where he was recognized for supporting Student Services in 1983 and he was inducted into the Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame in 1996, Alex continually gave back to his community. During his tenure at Digital, he was also recognized for his role in growing the diversity of the organization with their Partnership in Diversity award. Alex was also an avid golfer, bringing the joy of golf to his grandkids every summer that they came to visit Ohio. He also inspired three of his kids, Heidi, Alex and Juan to golf, which has become the joy of his daughter Heidi's retirement!

Alex has been with his devoted wife, Jeannie, for over 50 years. Alex & Jeannie have 5 kids including eldest daughter Wendy, eldest son Kevin, youngest daughter Heidi, middle son Alex II and the baby of the bunch, Juan. They affectionately call themselves "The Hodge Podge" because they come from all phases of Alex & Jeannie's lives but they love each other unconditionally! In addition to 9 grandchildren, Alex is "Big Daddy" to ALL of the nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, great nieces and great nephews on both sides of the family. Alex is blessed with lots of LOVE!!!!

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at First United Christian Church (626 N Columbus St, Xenia, OH 45385) with a service to follow at 12:00 pm. Alex will be laid to rest at Dayton National Cemetery on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 11:00 am with full military honors.