Dodge City - John Russell Alger passed away at his home on February 21, 2016, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.

John was born in Dodge City on February 8, 1933, to Oak and Anna Alger. He graduated from Dodge City High School, class of 1951. He was also a graduate of Kansas State College in 1956 where he earned a degree in agriculture, which prepared him for the many years he spent farming. He was devoted to his wife, Erma, whom he married June 12, 1986, in Goodland, KS, and their families. John was well known for always lending a helping hand to friends, family, and strangers alike. After his retirement, John kept himself busy remodeling the family home, assisting other family members with household projects, maintaining an active garden, and participating in various maintenance and ministry projects with his church, the First United Methodist Church in Dodge City.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Jane, and his son, Jim. He is survived by his wife, Erma; children, Tim Alger (Donna) of Brandenburg, Kentucky; Tom Daniels (Sherrie) of Mullinville; Ted Daniels of Durham; Tim Daniels (Sandy) of Jacksonville, Florida; Karen Ricke (Myron) of Spearville; Todd Daniels (Melissa) of McCall, Idaho; and Titus Daniels (Will Hester) of Nashville, Tennessee; nephews John Bruce McMillan (Leslie) of Nokesville, Virginia and Charlie McMillan of Arvada, Colorado; and 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Dodge City on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Jerre Nolte presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 from noon to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.