Alton Lee Govan

Alton Lee Govan was born on October 18, 1930 in Yard, Texas to the late Alton Govan and Marie Essie (Malone) Govan. Proceeded in death by his first wife Therese Govan, son Alton L. Govan Jr. his brother Samuel and grandson Raymond L. Govan Jr. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Alton graduated from Massey Lake High School. He attended Prairie View Agriculture and Mechanical College, before enlisting in the United States Air Force in July of 1951. His global military career included tours in Germany, North Africa, Vietnam and England. Stateside he served at Travis AFB, Fairchild AFB, Spokane Washington and Murphy Dome AFB, Alaska. It was in Germany where he met Therese Spitzer, who would later become his loving wife. They married in 1955 to which produced 3 loving children: Raymond L., Dorothy C., and Alton L. Govan (Deceased). After 20 years of service, he retired in August 1971. Moving to San Bernardino he began his new career with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department of Corrections. In 1972 he transferred to the California Youth Authority in Chino as a Culinary Arts Supervisor. By 1976 he was promoted to Culinary Arts Vocation Education Instructor. After sharing more than 24 years in a loving relationship, Alton lost his beloved Therese. In 1989, he began a new chapter with his marriage to Vivian Rountree Govan. They enjoyed many years of companionship. They traveled the world and enjoyed many life adventures after they retired in 1995.

Alton entered eternal life on August 21, 2020 at 6:53 pm. He leaves to cherish his wife Vivian, Children Raymond L (Marta), Dorothy C. Riley (Greg). Grandchildren: Anthony (Cerena) Smith, Dominic, Therese, Mario and Colleen. Brother and sister: Archie Govan and Cora Jackson (Dean) Extended Family: Dwight Rountree, Sandra Burwell, Wanda Paluba (Joe), Sam Rountree. He also leaves many Great Grandchildren, loving nieces and nephews and a multitude of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service for Alton will be at 1:00pm on Friday, September 18, 2020 followed by Full Military Honors at the Veterans Monument then be laid to rest, all at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA 92324

His final thoughts: And when the journey takes me to the end of the road of life. Beyond times hidden, I hope my fellow travelers can say with truthful hearts- a good man passed this way.