Alan Cushing Estes Sr.

Alan Cushing Estes Sr was born on September 25, 1934, in Massachusetts, to Charlotte Cushing Estes. He died at the age of 91 on Wednesday, September 15, 2026 in San Luis Obispo, California.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Linda, his parents William and Charolette Estes, and sister Barbara.

He is survived by his daughter Susan, son Alan Jr., three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and 4 nieces.

He was introduced by friends to Linda during a grunion hunt in Cayucos. It was love at first sight. They spent 61 years together until her death

Alan worked for several division of Cal Trans during his over 35-year career. He started his Cal Trans career with the survey crew and retired with the traffic division where he was in charge of all the traffic signage for the Santa Barbara cross-town freeway that replaced the signal lights.

Alan and his wife Linda spent over 20 years as a VIP (Volunteer In Park) up at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park during the summers. Alan and Linda lived and volunteered in Tuolumne Meadows, at 8,400 feet elevation. He and Linda worked together during the summer season. They lived in a tent cabin and then moved to an historic one room log cabin. Alan spent many hours hiking to streams and lakes to fish for trout when off duty. He loved telling stories of his experiences in the park.

Alan was an active member of the Estero Bay United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church during his life in Morro Bay.

Alan enlisted in the Marines as a corporal and left as an E6 Sargent. He served in the 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Engineering Battalion during the Korean War. He work as a surveyor, draftsman and in demolition. The 3rd Marine Division was reactivated on 7 January 1952 at Camp Pendleton, California. Alan underwent training at Camp Pendleton (Ico 2Dbn 2Dinftrngregt Mcb). During his time in the Marines, he was at Camp Pendleton, Hawaii, Okinawa and Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, CA. After active duty he served 3 years in the reserves, stationed at El Toro, Marine Corp Air station with the 3rd Marine Airwing.

Alan loved to sing. He was a member of the Gold Coast Chorus for 12 years and was in two quartets. He sang in his church choir and led singing at the informal church service while playing his guitar.

Alan Sr enjoyed joking and making people laugh. He almost always reminded people as they were leaving not to take any wooden nickels and to watch out for the other guy.

Memorial may be made to the Parsons Memorial Lodge Summer Series in memory of Alan Estes Sr. (Please write his name on check or send an accompanying note) Yosemite Conservancy, 101 Montgomery St. Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104