Albert Lewis Switser

January 16, 1917 - May 1, 2013

Albert Lewis Switser was born January 16, 1917, in Calumet, Oklahoma to Tobe and Alice (Morris) Switser. His family moved to Rocky Ford, Colorado when Albert was a year old. They farmed and ranched in Cheraw, Colorado, most of Albert's life. He attended school in Cheraw. Albert married Opal Youngblood on May 7, 1938. They had three children, Gary Lee, Linda Gail and Kathleen Diane. They lived in Redding, California, where Albert worked on the Shasta Dam. They also lived in Salem, Oregon, for three years before returning to Rocky Ford. Most of his career was with American Crystal Sugar Company. Albert was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served as Supervisor of the Army Ordnance Depot in Le Havre, Germany. He is survived by his wife Opal, son Gary (Francie) of Larkspur, and daughter Kathleen (Jim) Steward of Monument, four grandchildren, Mark (Bonnie) Steward from Colorado Springs, Kelli (Garrett) Kane from Lone Tree, Kristi (Shawn) McLaughlin from Littleton, and Patricia (Kevin) Linsley from Fairfax, VA. Albert's great-grandchildren include A.J. and Jenna Steward, Alexa and Mason Kane, Mia, Montana and Max McLaughlin, Aidan and Brennan Albert Linsley. Albert also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as his good friends from Rocky Ford, Joe and Shirley Baublits, Alvin and Mildred Schafer, and Barbara Adams. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Linda, his parents, brothers Ora, Marvin and Clyde; also sisters Lois (Everett) Headrick, Hazel (Curt) Headrick and Lorena (Melvin) Harvey. Albert was a kind, thoughtful, and hard-working man who loved his family and pets. His dog, Toby was his best friend. He enjoyed going camping in his travel trailer, fishing and boating. He spent later years golfing including on his 50th and 65th wedding anniversaries. He traveled with his family to Hawaii, Washington DC, and many states He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Rocky Ford and the Elks Club for many years. Albert would have celebrated his 75th wedding anniversary May 7th. Funeral Services will be at First Baptist Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 9th, with Pastor Chris Becker officiating. A Visitation will be on Thursday 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery Rocky Ford, CO. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church 10th & Maple Rocky Ford, CO 81067 or to the Hospice of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com. A more complete obituary will appear when it becomes available.