Alex M. Loeb Funeral services for Alex. M. Loeb will be held on Monday, May 18, at 10 a.m., at Temple Beth Israel, with Rabbi Marshal Klaven officiating. Burial will be at Meridian Jewish (Beth Israel) Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Alexander Marshall Loeb, of Meridian, died Thurs day, May 14, 2015 , at Anderson Hospital. Mr. Loeb was born in Meridian in 1918 . He graduated Washington and Lee University in 1937 with a degree in journalism. He served on Admiral Nimitz staff as a communications officer under Admiral McMorris during World War II. He married Jean Robinson of New YorkCity in 1944, and returned to Meridian to help run the family department store, Alex Loeb, Inc. There, he was responsible for the children's and women's departments and sales promotion -- both in Meridian and three small branches. In 1960, he and his brother sold their interest in Alex Loeb, Inc. and bought Marks Rothenberg 's, one of the oldest and largest department stores in the state . He retired after selling that store to a large national chain. When Meridian High School/Meridian Junior College (on the same campus at the time) hired Homer Casteel, Jr., in the 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Loeb were recruited to fill the ranks of his evening adult painting class. Mr. Casteel recognized both Loebs' talent immediately. Mr. Casteel encouraged both Jean and Alex to join the Mississippi Art Colony in 1963 . They continued to attend "the Colony" every six months for over 40 years. Mr. Loeb became a member of the Colony board while Mrs. Loeb served as secretary. They were instrumental in putting the Colony on a sound financial basis. In appreciation of the family's contribution, a prize given at each workshop is now called "THE GOLDEN LOEB AWARD". His art work has won prizes and been exhibited in juried shows throughout the nation and he was represented by galleries in Meridian, Jackson and New Orleans. He has had one-man shows in California and Alabama as well as numerous local shows. Mr. Loeb expanded his involvement in the arts by serving on the boards of the Meridian Museum of Art and Lauren Rogers Museum in Laurel. He was quick to say that he was not a leader during the Civil Rights movement in the '60s, but he supported those who were. His diplomatic approach to solving problems minimized tensions between the business community and the civil rights advocates. Under his direction, Marks Rothenberg became the first store in Meridian with an integrated sales staff. In 1973 , Mr. Loeb joined the faculty of Meridian Community College. He earned his MA in teaching at MS U/Meridian in 1977. He served as Chairman of the Business Division but also taught classes in painting and drawing. Mr. Loeb was for many years an active member of the Kiwanis Club and Temple Beth Israel. He served on the boards of a local bank, out-of-town department stores, and several small real estate corporations. After retirement from MCC, Mr. and Mrs. Loeb took the time to travel to destinations related to art or of historical interest in the US, Europe and the Middle East. When not traveling, he played tennis weekly until he was 90 years old . Alex was noted for his abilities as a raconteur. His life experiences were the subject of fascinating and humorous stories. His jokes were never corny, and his advice was delivered with kindness and humor. He is survived by a daughter, Barbara (Bobbie) Sevier; her sons Robert and Donald Sevier; Donald's wife, Leah; and his son-in-law, Vance F. Rightmire. He was preceded in death by his bother, Robert Switzer Loeb, Sr. ; his wife, Jean Loeb ; and his daughter, Margaret Loeb. Visitation will be at 9 a.m., Monday, May 18, at Temple Beth Israel. Family and friends may sign the guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.
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