David Lee Alford died November 21, 2020 in Fort Collins, Colorado from complications of Interstitial Lung Disease, Pneumonia, and COVID-19 with his wife at his side. One of five children, he was born in Detroit, Michigan April 22, 1939 to Omer and Edith Carroll Alford. Dave graduated from Jonesville Community High School in 1957.
He married Wendy Beggs and the couple raised 5 children, Debbie Pantelich, Doug (Jeffy) Alford, Mike (Jacquie) Alford, Robert Alford and Lisa (John) Tryon. Dave owned and operated IGA grocery stores in Argos and Culver, Indiana. He provided community leadership and support through numerous service organizations.
In 1981, Dave sold the IGA stores and moved the family to Colorado where he owned and managed a solar business for several years. Dave remarried in 1990. He and wife, Carol, celebrated their partnership with years of motorhome travel across the United States, Canada, and Mexico where they spent their winters for 22 years, enjoying friendships with many travelers from Canada. They also explored England, Scotland, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Czech Republic.
Dave is survived by siblings Kenneth (Jan), Glenn (Hella), Barbara Stires, Sharon (Terry) Glaser, first wife, Wendy Shields, and grandchildren Brian Pantelich, Justina Portillo, Rachel and Dana Alford, Derek Alford, Lexi and Kyle Alford, Nick Tryon and Geoff Boyd. Matt Pantelich preceded Dave in death.
Dave's stepdaughter Christin Murray preceded him in death. Other survivors include: stepson, Mitch Crockett, step grandchildren Nick Keegan (Emily), Jeff Crockett (Vicki), Andrew Crockett, Morgan Crockett, and six step greatgrandchildren.
The greatest joy for Dave involved watching his children grow into adulthood. He held great admiration and pride for each one. Carol cherishes the wonder Dave brought to her life as he shepherded her in unbelievable travels and adventures throughout their thirty years together.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, as family members gather in David's memory.