Tom Louie Albertson

Tom Louie Albertson, age 88, of Huntsville AL, passed away peacefully on August 30 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Austin, Texas on June 19, 1938. He is preceded in death by his parents, Seth and Valleri Albertson and sister Olene Albertson.

As a young child, Tom lived in many locations. His early memories during WWII are of doing without, brown outs and rations. He was active in Boy Scouts which fostered his love of camping. Tom’s strong work ethic began in his early teens. He mowed grass, sold eggs, worked in a grocery store and had a paper route. His love of tools and desire to meticulously care for his things began when his father presented him with his first set of tools. Tom graduated from Baltimore City College High School in 1956. Afterwards, he attended Western Maryland College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a reserve Army commission in 1960. It was there he met Ann Kinney whom he married August 22, 1959. His love of dogs began early in his marriage when he presented his new wife with a puppy. He funded the purchase of the puppy using their weekly $10 grocery allowance. Subsequently, they shared their home with 4 other dogs and a very special cat.

In Tom’s memoirs, he states “Having a goal or mission that is not work related has always been important; it gives my life more purpose and direction.” This quote is exemplified by his many hobbies over the years. He was ever the learner as he pursued rock tumbling, woodworking, painting Christmas decorations, weaving and boating. His lifelong love of camping began with a tent and progressed to a travel trailer, pop-up camper and finally a motor home. His family has fond memories of camping in different campers in a variety of locations. He cared for his family by being extremely organized, provided for their physical and emotional needs, always was prepared and could fix anything. Tom was a quiet man. He valued the special bond between close friends. His favorite pastime was going out to breakfast with his friends and family.

He credits his parents for providing the foundation for his faith in God and religion. Tom and Ann began worshiping at the RSA Post and Bicentennial Chapels in 1982. He served as a leader for the weekly men’s prayer group. For 28 years, he was an in-depth Bible scholar as he prepared and taught an adult Sunday School class. Tom shared his faith through teaching the Word of God.

Throughout his military career, Tom served with a selfless attitude and supreme leadership. He received several military medals, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal, 3rd Oakleaf Cluster and the retired at the rank of Colonel in 1986. Tom’s military career began at Sandia Base, Albuquerque NM with the Defense Atomic Support Command. Upon receipt of a Regular Army Commission, he was assigned to the Infantry serving with the U.S. Training Center at Fort Knox, Ky. He then went to Vietnam having command of the HQ & Company A, 725 Maintenance Battalion based in Cu Chi. Returning stateside, he attended the Ordnance Career Course, and spent time at Redstone Arsenal, AL with Safeguard System Command. From there he attended the Command General Staff College. His assignments in Germany began in Heidelberg with the Office of Dcs Ops, 7th US Army. He took command of the 96th Ordnance Company, 557th Artillery Group in Herbornseelbach and later served with the Material Division, 59th Ordnance Brigade in Pirmasens. After spending 5 years in Germany, Tom was sent to Kirkland AFB working at the Field Command Defense Nuclear Agency, Chief Stockpile Control. He then spent a year in Seoul, Korea with the 8th Army IG. Returning to Germany in 1979, he took command of the 101st Ordnance Battalion. He returned to Redstone Arsenal, Al for his last assignment with the Ballistic Missile Defense Command. Following retirement, he worked for a defense contractor until 1994, spending most of the time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 67 years, Ann, his daughters, Deborah (Garth) Franz, Doris (Jim) Rountree, Sara (Chuck) Petty; his grandchildren Bryan (Olivia) and Adam Franz, Erin and James (Anna Camille) Rountree, Cormac and Teague Petty and a great-grandchild, Everett Franz.

Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to: K-9 for Warriors

*Due to heighten security on Redstone Arsenal, please contact the Visitor’s Center at (256)-876-7738, M-F, 7am-3pm to obtain instructions for entering the Arsenal.