Alonzo David Hall

Alonzo David Hall, the eldest child of Otto and Lynette Hall, entered this life on September 13, 1934, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family later moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where the family grew and where Alonzo spent many of his formative years in the historic Rondo community.

At the age of twelve, the family relocated to Madera, California, and later to Fresno. Following the loss of his mother at an early age, Alonzo dedicated himself to helping care for his younger brothers and sister. Family was always at the center of his life, and that commitment never wavered.

Alonzo attended Edison High School in Fresno, where he and his brothers excelled academically and athletically. Together they often set records in track and field and football. He also possessed a beautiful singing voice and maintained a lifelong love of music.

After high school, Alonzo proudly served in the United States Air Force. Stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, he worked on the flight line and supervised the base gym. A lesser-known fact about Alonzo was his talent as a boxer. During his military service, he also received an invitation to try out for the United States Olympic Track and Field Team in Denver, Colorado.

While serving his country, Alonzo attended College of the Pacific, now known as the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California. Following his military service, he worked as a federal correctional officer on historic Alcatraz Island. After the closure of Alcatraz, he later served with both the San Francisco Police Department and the Oakland Police Department before joining the California Highway Patrol.

In 1968, Alonzo became the first Black California Highway Patrol Officer assigned to Fresno. He wore the badge with honor, courage, and integrity, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of officers who would follow.

While home in Fresno in 1960, he met the love of his life, Lena LeBlanc. Their courtship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and on July 22, 1961, they were united in marriage. Together they built a beautiful family and shared nearly sixty-five years of unwavering love, faith, commitment, and devotion, creating a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

After returning to Fresno, Alonzo became actively involved in Pop Warner Football, coaching the Edison Tigers and eventually serving as league president. He believed in investing in young people and giving back to the community he loved.

In 1971, after years in law enforcement, Alonzo chose a new path. Wanting a career that no longer required carrying a firearm, he entered state service. His distinguished state service career began with the Office of Criminal Justice Planning and concluded with his retirement in 1997 as Chief of Civil Rights for Caltrans.

Even retirement did not slow him down. From 2004 to 2005, Alonzo proudly served on the Sacramento County Grand Jury, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service, justice, and civic responsibility.

Alonzo was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Lynette Hall; his sisters, Rev. Betty L. Hall and Lynette L. Hall; his brothers, William G. Hall, Otto Terrence Hall, and Roderick Allen Hall; his son, Leonard C. Hall; and his grandsons, Dustin R. Hall and Neal A. Sailes.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his beloved wife, Lena N. Hall; his daughters, Leah L. Bynum (Michael A. Bynum, Sr.) and Le Ann Hall; his daughter-in-law, Tonya Hall, beloved wife of his late son, Leonard C. Hall; his grandchildren, Michael A. (Monique) Bynum, Jr., Alicia (Bynum) Williams, Austin (Julie) Davis, Adam (Moriah) Bynum, August Jalen Bynum, Tristan (Nikkol) Hall, and Travis (Garrett) Hall; his great-grandchildren, Asia, Andrea, Dominic, Michael, Savannah, Zara, Zion, Zaniyah, Zeus, Aiden, Preston, and Kendall Hall; his goddaughter, Valerie Guillory; his godson, Martine Alonzo Hall; sisters-in-law, Teresa Berry, Jewel (Leon) Kelly, Vera Atkinson, Anita (Curtis) LeBlanc, and Geraldine (George) LeBlanc; sister-in-law Pam Hall; his niece and daughter of the heart, Shelley L. Stinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Until we meet again, good and faithful servant.

To your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, you were simply “Papa”—a source of wisdom, laughter, guidance, and unconditional love. To your family, you were our protector, our example, and our foundation.

You loved deeply.

You served honorably.

You led courageously.

You gave generously.

You lived fully.

And in the end, you truly did it your way.

Your watch is over.

Your duty is done.

Your legacy lives on.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

May perpetual light shine upon you, and may you rest in eternal peace.