Chief Master Sergeant Donald E. Albee USAF (Ret.)

Chief Master Sergeant Donald E. Albee, USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 1, 2025, at the age of 89. Born the youngest of 13 children on September 17, 1935, in Whitneyville, Maine, Don was raised in Machias, Maine by his loving parents, Clinton and Marion Albee.

Don enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 30, 1954, after graduating high school. During his 20-year military career, Don served in various countries, including Germany, France, the Philippines, and Vietnam, eventually earning the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. His service was marked not only by his exceptional leadership but by the lifelong friendships he made, particularly with Alton and Jacqueline Eckhardt and Bill and Marilyn Johnson, whom he remained close to throughout his life.

On May 15, 1957, while stationed in Châteauroux, France, Don met the love of his life, Claudie. Introduced by his best friend, Henry Jackson, who was engaged to Claudie's sister, Mireille, Don and Claudie were married on June 9, 1958. Their marriage lasted 66 years, filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Don’s family grew during his military service with the births of three children in various countries: their first son, Jerry, born in Amarillo, Texas, on March 25, 1960; their second son, Jeffory, born in Evreux, France, on March 21, 1963; and their daughter, Christine, born at Clark AFB in the Philippines on May 30, 1973.

After retiring from the Air Force, Don began a successful second career with IBM, where he made yet another lifelong friend, Bill Dewberry. He quickly ascended the ranks at IBM, retiring after 13 years.

Don’s love for running began in the Philippines, where he completed a 1,000-mile run. This passion continued throughout his life, and well into his 70s, he won numerous marathons in his age group, even qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon. He nearly lost his life during a heart attack in 2001 while training for the Boston Marathon, but he defied the odds, blessing his family with an additional 24 years.

One of Don’s favorite pastimes was enjoying a 5 pm rum and coke with friends and family, often reflecting on his many happy memories. He was known for his kind, honest, and supportive nature. It is impossible to recall a moment when he spoke a word in anger. Even in his final years, as his memories began to fade, Don's face would light up with joy whenever a loved one walked into the room, always happy to greet them with a smile.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Claudie; his son Jeffory; his daughter Christine and son-in-law Keith; his daughter-in-law Kathryn; and his granddaughter, Allie Marie. He is also remembered fondly by his many friends and extended family.

A special thank you is extended to the caregivers at Aspen Hospice, Visiting Angels, and Home Helpers, especially Eric, Riley, Jammie, April, Shannon, Heather, Donna, Connie, CC, and Kenneth, for their compassion and dedication during Don’s final years.

In honor of Don’s memory, we ask that you reflect on his legacy of kindness, his love for running, and his enduring devotion to his family. We will forever cherish our memories of him crossing the finish lines of countless marathons.

A graveside service will be held at Sam Houston National Cemetery on June 16, 2025, at 1:45 p.m. at Shelter 5. A celebration of life will follow the interment at Teka Molino, 1007 Rittiman Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218.