Albert Franklin McCollester

Albert Franklin McCollester was born to Harry and Beatrice McCollester, October 27, 1925 in Strahan, IA. He grew up in the Glenwood area, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, and earned his GED while serving his country. He served on a light cruiser, the USS Richmond, in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The USS Richmond was included in the fleet of naval ships that escorted General MacArthur to Japan to sign the treaty that ended the Pacific theatre of the war. He was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946.

On December 15, 1946, LeVon Harman and Albert were married. Into this union one son James, and one daughter Pamela were born. Following discharge from the Navy, Albert worked at Iowa Power & Light, Glenwood Opinion-Tribune, and Wilcox Trucking. Albert & LeVon started their farming career north of Glenwood in 1950, then moved to Versailles, MO to farm for one year in 1952, and then returned to Glenwood to continue farming. In 1956 they moved to the farm at Silver City where they continue to reside.

Albert enjoyed spending time with family and friends, working on the farm, square dancing, and classic country music. He discovered a deep love for music in his 70’s. At this point in his life he learned to play the guitar, and enjoyed singing karaoke. For several years Albert and LeVon would take their karaoke machine to area nursing homes to bring some joy and entertainment to the residents.

Albert was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also served as Commander of the Silver City American Legion for several years. They also traveled to many USS Richmond shipmate reunions that were held across the country. Albert greatly enjoyed these trips as it was a chance to reconnect with friends made during the war.

Albert and LeVon were snowbirds that traveled to Apache Junction, AZ for 25 winters. They both enjoyed their time in Arizona and made many friends from all over the country. Albert especially enjoyed country music jam sessions with friends while in Arizona.

In recent years Albert enjoyed spending time with his six great grandchildren. The chaos and laughter that the kids provided brought him great joy.

Albert was a loving husband and father, and very proud of his family. He is survived by his loving wife LeVon of nearly 70 years. He is also survived by son James and daughter in law Cindy McCollester; Grandchildren, Chad and wife Meghan McCollester (Grant and Blake), and Marcy and husband Nathan Powles (Dylan and Devon) all of Silver City, IA.; daughter Pamela and son in law Charles Serrault of Overland Park, KS and Grandson Nicholas and wife Trina Serrault (Kemper and Sutton) of Leawood, KS.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Norma Maxwell, Mary Ellis, and Grandson Jeffrey Serrault.

Interment with Military Rites by the Silver City American Legion Post 439 in the Silver City Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Silver City Rescue or Silver City American Legion Post 439.

Visitation:Saturday, November 19, 2016
10:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Saturday, November 19, 2016
11:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534