Al Urban

Al Urban, was born March 01, 1935 on a farm in Gonzales, TX to the late Mr. Peter Paul Urban and Mrs. Beatrice Shelton-Urban and raised in the birthplace of Texas Independence. Al Urban passed away in Seguin, TX Wednesday afternoon, January 18, 2012 at the prime age of 76. Al was a member of the East Side Baptist Church of Gonzales. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. He resided in Gonzales, TX with his family he will be greatly missed. Al was specially known for his love of music and ranching. He was a genuine singer and song writer. He began playing the guitar in his mid-teens and formed his first band, The Daybreakers, in the early fifties and obtained a regular gig at the popular Log Cabin Inn north of Luling, TX. In 1956, Urban recorded his orginal songs “Lookin’ For Money and I Don’t Want To Be Alone” at Gold Star Studio in Houston, TX. Al sent the master Tape to Charlie Fitch who agreed to release it on Sarg Records. The record debuted on November 30, 1956 receiving rave reviews from Billboard magazine. It was a modest hit and sold respectably. Urban was invited to appear on the Louisiana Hayride on the strength of the single. He was a prolific songwriter often returning to Bill Quinn’s Gold Star Studio on his own time to record his compositions. George Jones was using the same studio during the same period and the two often shared the same backing band. Charlie Fitch released four more Urban records and passed on several others. Disgruntled with Fitch, Urban started his own label, Fang to promote his releases, and eventually recorded for several other small labels as well, including Kash and Tennessee. He continued to be an active performer, but tiring of the nightly grind; he began concentrating more on songwriting. His windfall came in 1971 when Charley Pride recorded several of his songs including the hit, “I’m Beginning to Believe My Own Lies” that was included on the Grammy award winning album Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs. Recently known for his album “I just dropped in to say Goodbye” released in 2008.

He is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his only daughter Sherian and husband Mike Cleveland of Gonzales, TX; one brother George Urban of Victoria, TX and two grandchildren Jonathon Cleveland of Gonzales, TX and Eric Cleveland of Austin, TX. A Special Thank You to friend and caregiver Fay Cowan of Smiley, TX.

Visitation for family and friends held at the Buffington Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Funeral Services held for 2:00 P.M Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Buffington Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Reverend Hollas Hoffman. Internment followed at the local Gonzales City Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Paul Elder, Kenneth Stewart, Daniel Stewart, Marshall Davis, Danny Sloan and Gary Schroeder Honorary Pallbearers: Freddy Fisher and Alton Kiefer. Family requested donations made to the American Cancer Society Texas Division.