SHORT-TERM PLANS
East Canton, OHIO (AP) — Dick Alexander knows where he’s going when he dies: right into the coffin he’s fashioned for himself. Concerned about burdening his family with the casket’s cost, Alexander spent the last six months building his own. His poplar handiwork cost $500, much less than the usual price. “I had a lot of fun building it,” said the 76-year-old retired carpenter. “I did slip into it to see if it would fit. No problem.” Alexander is in generally good health, but is philosophical about his advancing age. “When you’ve had 65 to 70 years, that’s it. Why worry about it?” he said. “I’ve made my peace. I’m a strong Lutheran. I’ve got no qualms about death. I’m ready when they are.” The coffin construction falls in step with such pluck. Alexander said he doesn’t make long-range plans, won’t buy green bananas and recently rejected a five-year extended warranty. “How about ninety days?” he asked the clerk.
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