Iowa Thespians Mourns the Passing of Council Bluffs Theatre Director

October 26, 2025–The Iowa chapter of the Educational Theatre Association mourns the passing of Thomas Jefferson High School High School theatre director Alexander H. Bales of Council Bluffs, IA. Our thoughts are with Alex’s former students and loved ones as well as the greater Iowa high school theatre community.

**Alexander Henry Bales, age 35, of Council Bluffs, IA, passed away unexpectedly at home due to medical complications on October 18, 2025. He was born to Dale and Maria Bales on October 13, 1990.

Alex attended K-12 at Indianola Community Schools where he discovered his passion for theater, drama, speech and debate. He attended Iowa State University and obtained his English Education degree with an endorsement in Speech. Alex started his teaching career at Atlantic High School in Atlantic, IA. He continued his career at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, IA as the Drama and English teacher. He enjoyed directing the fall and spring plays, helping the kids grow in their acting parts, set construction, tech and stage crew, and taking them to theater productions and state Thespian Festival.
Alex enjoyed spending time with the good friends he made in college, League of Legends online gaming, watching Iowa State football and basketball and following the Miami Dolphins.

Alex is survived by his parents, Dale and Maria Bales of Indianola, IA; brother, Zach Bales of Owatonna, MN; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, as well as many friends.
Alex was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Emmett and Steffy Henry; paternal grandparents: Eldred and Olivene Bales.

**Originally published by Cutler O’Neill Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home