Albert Stairs

Albert L. Stairs VIRGINIA BEACH - Albert Leroy Stairs, 77, died peacefully in his home in Virginia Beach with his loving wife by his side Sept. 7, 2008. Al was born in Old Town, Maine, July 8, 1931. He grew up in Greenville, Maine, graduating from Higgins Institute in 1950. That same year he joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country for the next 27 years. He continued to work for the Navy as a civil servant until his retirement in 1987. Al was very passionate in his belief of serving country and protecting the American way of life. After nearly 40 years of dedicated government service, he continued these ideals into retirement through memberships with many veteran and community organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 392, American Legion Post 094, Fleet Reserve Association, Willis V. Fentress Lodge No. 296 and the Aragona Moose Lodge No. 1198. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and June Wilt and father Leroy Stairs. Carrying on his legacy and memory are his wife of 51 years, Carol Stairs; five children, Vicki Stairs, Mark Stairs, Jay and wife Ann Stairs, Matt and wife Kim Stairs and Carol and husband Don Novak; 10 grandchildren, Erin, Laurel, Sydney, Christen, Kevin, Jason, Joshua, Autumn, McKenzie and Taylor; and two great-grandchildren, Remington and Adriana. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters or the Virginia Beach Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad. You may offer condolences at www.mem.com.