Albert Lawrence Wile

Lt Col (USAF) Albert Wile died peacefully in his sleep on February 23, 2021 in Leander, Texas. As he passed from this world to the next, he surely enjoyed a glorious reunion with his predeceased wife Vicky, son Greg, and granddaughter Laurie in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Albert was born the eldest of 5 boys and one sister 97 years ago. Growing up during the depression was difficult, especially when Al’s dad died and Al had to become the man of the house at the young age of 12. Al was fortunate enough to stay in school and graduate, and then he tried to enlist in the Army. Because of his poor vision (even though he had memorized the eye chart), he kept getting declined. He eventually talked his way in and was coded 4-F: Limited Service. The code was a disgrace in those days, but it got him in a uniform. He was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland to a Baker’s and Cook’s school where he soon worked his way up to an instructor. Eventually he found himself on the Queen Mary headed to Europe, despite never going to Boot Camp. Luckily by that time the war was winding down. He was put in a labor supervision unit managing a company of German POWs and got a spot promotion to First Sergeant of the unit at the age of 20 and was tasked to move the POWs from France to Belgium. It was during his time in Belgium that he met and fell in love with his soon-to-be wife Vicky. After marriage they were stationed at a SAC base in Salina, KS where their first 2 children, Alfred and Ronald were born. Next stop was Barksdale (Shreveport) where Al became a Warrant Officer, moving him from enlisted to commissioned status. He was very proud of this accomplishment, especially coming from a 4F rating. While in Barksdale, Gary and Marc were born. From Barksdale they went to Germany, where Gregory was born. That’s right, 5 boys! The Germany assignment was ideal for Vicky, as they were only 90 miles from where her family lived in Belgium. After 5 years they were sent to SAC HQ in Omaha, NE and Michele was born. Finally, a girl! Next the family of 8 moved to Madrid Spain for a two-year assignment before settling at Randolph AFB near San Antonio where Al spent the remainder of his career. Al was one of a few “dual status” officers in the Air Force, having both a Regular AF Warrant Officer commission as well as a Reserve Officer commission. On active duty he wore the rank of CWO4, and on his active duty retirement day, he pinned on his Lt. Colonel rank. All told, Al served the United States for 47 years: 30 in uniform and 17 as a civilian. After retirement, Vicky and Al continued living in Universal City near Randolph. After their children married, they were blessed with 11 grandchildren and over 20 great grandchildren. They moved to Austin in 2011 to be closer to their children and live out the rest of their days.

Visitation will be at Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Pkwy in San Antonio on March 23, 2021 from 3 to 5 pm, followed by a funeral service from 5 to 6 pm. Interment services will be for family only (due to COVID restrictions) the following day, March 24, at the Fort Sam National Cemetery in San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Laurie Wile Memorial Scholarship Fund at Colorado State University, PO Box 1870, Fort Collins CO 80522.