Alfred E. Cureton

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Gene Calvin Cureton of Zwolle, LA; mother, Martha Leona Stufflebean of Cove, AR; father, George Washington Cureton; stepmother, Pearlie Cureton of Scottsdale, AZ; and his oldest brother, G.L. "Gene Leon" Cureton of Cove, AR.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 40 years, Debra Gail Cureton; his precious daughter, Amber Lucille Cureton; and his sweet granddaughters, Raven Alexis Green and Annika Gail Cureton, all of Leesville, LA; his youngest son, Lew Ernest Cureton of San Antonio, TX; his younger brother, George Calvin Cureton and wife, Gerri of Sun City Center, FL; and distant grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Al's life journey led him down many paths. Born in Cove, AR but later traveling to Oklahoma, New York, South Dakota, California, and New Mexico to work. His military career took him to Japan and Korea. He served in various aspects of the military---United States Army Air Corp (Army Air Force), United States Air Force, and United States Regular Army. His rank was Staff Sergeant, but he was especially proud of the title "Interpreter" (Japanese) of which he acquired from the Army Language School Presidio of Monterey, California.

Over the years, along with his name, he held many titles: Poet, Wheat Harvester, Staff Sergeant Specialist, Language Interpreter, Tomato & Pepper Grower, Electrical Engineer, Plant Analyst, Logger, Tree Planter, Historian, Writer, Educator, Builder, "The Grinch".

He earned two Master's Degrees---one in History and the other in Education.

He was a Korean War Veteran---earning several medals: Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal from the Korean Government, Purple Heart Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp.

Al was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed!

Al, memories of you will fill our hearts with love . . .