Alfred Ernest Cureton was born in Cove, Arkansas on April 7, 1930. He peacefully passed away with his loving wife, Debbie, by his side in Natchitoches on January 8, 2018. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Gene Calvin Cureton of Zwolle; mother, Martha Leona Stufflebean of Cove, Arkansas; father, George Washington Cureton and step-mother, Pealie Cureton of Scottsdale, Arizona; and oldest brother, Gene Leon Cureton of Cove, Arkansas. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Debra Gail Cureton; precious daughter, Amber Lucille Cureton and sweet granddaughters, Raven Alexis Green and Annika Gail Cureton, all of Leesville; youngest son, Lew Ernest Cureton of San Antonio, Texas; younger brother, George Calvin Cureton and wife, Gerri of Sun City Center, Florida; and distant grandchildren and great grandchildren. Al’s life journey led him down many paths. Born in Cove, Arkansas but later traveling to Oklahoma, New York, South Dakota, California, and New Mexico to work. His military career too him to Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, Japan, and Korea. He served in various aspects of the military – United States Army Air Corp (Army Air Force), United State Air Force, and United States Regular Army. His ran 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, Postman, Deputy Sheriff, tomato and pepper grower, electrical engineer, drapery maker, plant analyst, logger, tree planter, historian, writer, educator, builder, Grinch. Playing the role of the Grinch was something he always looked fondly back on and always smiled when thinking about. It was something he truly enjoyed at Christmas time. He said that of all the jobs he had done, tree planting was the only one that he ever liked. 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, Nation Defense Service Medal, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal from the Korean Government, Purple Heart Medal, Korean Service Medal with two 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’s wish was to be cremated and his ashes cast into the wind of the piney woods. All memories of you will fill our hearts with love.
July 13, 2026
