Colonel Albert B. Luster U.S. Army (Ret.)

Colonel Albert B. Luster U.S. Army (Ret.) obituary, San Antonio, TX

Colonel Albert B. Luster U.S. Army (Ret.)

Albert Luster Obituary

Published by Porter Loring Mortuary North on Oct. 29, 2016.
Col. Albert B. Luster, U.S. Army (Ret.) passed at age 86 on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Mound, LA on June 21, 1930 to Jesse Luster and Priscilla (Missie) Brown Luster. He was the fifteenth of twenty-eight children born to this union. He grew up working on the family farm, and he periodically traveled with his mother, a midwife, in Madison Parish, LA. During his early years at Thomastown School Albert Luster met Lillie M. Rayford. They became inseparable. It is said that as a preteen he had declared this is my future wife. They married after graduating high school. God blessed them with four children – Jewel, Sheila, Valerie, and Cecil. Col. Luster graduated from Thomastown High School, Southern University (bachelor's degrees in agriculture and education) and Central Michigan University (master's degree in business management). He began his military career as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He entered the Aviation Pilot and Aircraft Engineering Training Programs, conducted by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. He attended a total of 10 military and civilian schools. He graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and National Defense University, a very selective and competitive school. Col. Luster served as Commander of many aviation organizations. He served a tour in Korea, two tours in Germany, three combat tours in Vietnam. He was project manager for aircraft systems, an Aircraft Engineering officer, a Test Pilot, and an Instructor Pilot for several types of airplanes and helicopters. His assignments included: Chief of the International Division for Research and Development, Dept of the Army (The Pentagon); U.S. Army Plant Commander with the Boeing Company, Vertol Division, which manufactured helicopters; Commander of Division Support Command, 101st Airborne Division; Assistant Commandant for the U.S. Army Transportation and Aviation Logistics School, a "General Officer" position. Upon retirement in 1984 he and Lillie, moved to San Antonio, TX. They continued to keep active. They owned and operated a computer software business for several years, conducted property management businesses, and were very involved in community and church activities. Albert gave his life to Christ at a young age and continued to serve The Lord over the years. He made sure his children grew up in a Christian home, attended church every Sunday, and were involved in Sunday School. He taught senior Sunday school classes, ushered, did repair and maintenance projects, and sung in a senior group that visited nursing homes and other venues sharing God's word. He mentored many family members, friends and acquaintances. He was a great believer in the power of prayer. Anyone who knew Albert Luster knew of his love for his family. He spent many years working to start and keep the annual family reunion going. He often said families should be gathered together for more occasions than funerals. He had a great sense of humor and he loved a good joke. His infectious smile will be greatly missed. Albert Bernard Luster, man of God, man of integrity, family man, honorable man, we thank God He allowed you to touch our lives. We celebrate the life you lived and the legacy you leave. We miss you. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters – Mary, Pearlie, Lubertha, Lucille, Idella, Catherine, Vera, Ophelia, plus several other sisters; brother – Edward, and grandson, Dominic V Luster. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lillie M. Luster; 3 daughters, Jewel Luster-Jackson (husband Don Jackson); Sheila L. Luster (husband Kevin Wade); Valerie L. Luster; and son, Cecil B. Luster (wife, Renee'); 4 sisters: Jessie Bea Payne, Mildred Watson, Gloria Thomas, and LaVonne Brewer; 7 grandchildren, Kimberly D. Jackson, Don-Michael Jackson, Antyone Robertson, Erika M. Wade, Kirstie E. Wade, Dyami A. Luster, and Kerry S. Wade; 5 great-grandchildren, Antyone Jr., Colby, Taylor, Donziah, Don'Taysha, And a great number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation and viewing from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Porter Loring Mortuary North The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Shearer Hills Baptist Church. SERVICE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2016 10:30 a.m. SHEARER HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH 12615 SAN PEDRO Rev. Steve Graves will officiate. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern University Alumni Federation: By snail mail: P.O. Box 9746, Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Or online: http://www.sualumni.org/ click on donate link on lower left side of page. Type in "From ______ in honor or memory of Albert B. Luster, class of 1954" in the box labeled "Add special instructions to the seller": You may use credit card, debit card, or pay pal.

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Sign Albert Luster's Guest Book

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May 20, 2020

Eugene Morris posted to the memorial.

October 2, 2017

Admyer Fell posted to the memorial.

May 11, 2017

David Merritt posted to the memorial.

I had the privilege of serving as then Captain Luster's company clerk at the 42nd Transportation Company, Sandhofen Germany in 1963. Although I arrived as a trained radio operator but, he offered me the CC's job. I didn't really want the job, but he "gen

Eugene Morris

May 20, 2020

I had the privilege of serving as then Captain Luster's company clerk at the 42nd Transportation Company, Sandhofen Germany in 1963. Although I arrived as a trained radio operator but, he offered me the CC's job. I didn't really want the job, but he "gently persuaded me to take it. It turned out to be one of the best decisions ever made "for" me. He was a tough, no nonsense commander who insisted on excellence. I learned a great deal just by watching him and my respect for him continued to grow. I only served with him for little over a year, but he became a role model for me and it changed the direction of my life. When my tour was up in 1965, I decided to return to school and major in business administration which lead me to a forty-five year marketing career. I was able to look him up in 2010 and we had a long telephone conversation and I was able to share with him what a tremendously positive impact he had on my life. (The picture was taken at his going away party in 1964)

Admyer Fell

October 2, 2017

I was just thinking about Col Luster and doing a search him. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I was his Driver when he was the DISCOM CDR. I always loved driving for him and learned a lot about moral courage. He was a great example.

David Merritt

May 11, 2017

I just learned of Colonel Luster's passing and add my comments only to compliment the many positive comments already placed into this Guest Book. COL Luster was my Commander in the 101st Airborne Division in ~1981. He was a fantastic mentor and Soldier. His moral courage and integrity was easy to see. He was a fantastic teacher and I will miss him, but not nearly as much as his lovely wife, Lil. Together, they mentored me and my wife Shelia as we grew in our Army career and they always remained our friends. God did well with this guy and his wife. I think about him often and saw him too seldom. My wife, Shelia, and I will miss him and keep him in our thoughts forever.
Lt. Col. Dave Merritt, US Army (Retired). Chester, Virginia.

Linda Bailey Campbell

December 14, 2016

Valerie, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was truly a great man! I remember him from your retirement. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Love and respect. Linda Bailey Campbell

LaNell "Champ" Williams

November 9, 2016

Thank you, Uncle Albert, for showing our Family what a hard working, noble, strong man of truth and conviction looks like. My love to you always.

BERDIA ALLEN

November 7, 2016

To Lille Jewel and rest of children and family May The sense the Lords loving presence today... keeping you close to his heart. assuring you of His tender care, and covering you with His grace. Rev Freddie L Allen Sr & Family

Douglas Pond

November 7, 2016

Al was a model of his faith in Christ Jesus which was expressed through the church, his family, friends and chosen profession. He now awaits us in the ultimate assignment prepared for him by the Lord Himself. Be of great courage!

Rani Falconer

November 7, 2016

What an impressive life story and touching tribute! I never met him directly, but knowing the wonderful qualities in his daughter, Valerie, I am certain I missed out on an inspiring meeting (and a good joke or 2!)

Gina Burkhart

November 7, 2016

Was honored and privileged to know this Godly man and his family. He was truly a man of God! God bless you and keep you all in His tender care today and the days to come. Love to all!

Tommy Ruffin

November 6, 2016

"Lil"
Al, will always be remembered as a good friend and someone who put others ahead of himself. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God will see you through your time of sorrow.
Captain Tommy & Susan Ruffin, US Navy Retired
Jacksonville, Florida

Marjorie & David Meredith

November 6, 2016

Our prayers are with you and family. God has truly called an angel home. Albert will be truly missed by everyone. His smile and his jokes at our class reunions will be certainly missed. David and Marjorie Meredith

Dorcas Sampson

November 6, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you. The Colonel will be sorely missed.

verna mcnair

November 6, 2016

I fill so blessed that i was picked as a caregiver for Col Luster ,Had many good times as me and him shared his last days.Itruley belive paths cross for a reason .Not only was Col Luster a fantastic person it reflected on his children .And his beautifull wife .Thank You all for allowing me to be a part of your lives .

Rollie and Jead Duffy

November 6, 2016

Lil and family,
Al was the best example of a "man of God" we have ever known. We are thankful to have known him and you, his family. Rollie and Jead Duffy, friends in Universal City, Tx

Reba Thomas

November 5, 2016

To my Aunt Lily, Jewel, Sheila, Valerie and Cecil....Uncle Albert was to me a Great and Blessed man...He looked out for family and friends....I looked up to him in many ways and I will miss him....I know I will see him again along with our other family members...I know that he was welcomed by Grandmama and Grandpa along with his sisters and brothers and his grandson....My heart is filled with love for him and the family....I remember that whom ever needed him he was there no matter what...He kept the family together with my mom's Gloria Jean (Mickey) help putting together the family reunions...I appreciated all his hard work on the family event.....I will miss you dearly Uncle and I know you are laying at the throne gazing upon his Glory singing him a song.....I love you

Joseph Martin

November 4, 2016

To the my LUSTER friends... so sorry for your loss.. God Bless

Eunice Clemons

November 4, 2016

Valerie and Family,
I know your earthly father knew his knack, he followed Galatians with what is written, "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that". Your father, discovered and deployed his knacks. When you do the most what you do best, you put a smile on God's Face. What could be better than that? You and your family is the product of his GREAT WORK. You and your family are in my daily prayers.
Eunice

Ronke Olabisi

November 3, 2016

Though he was not my grandfather, I knew him as B-Pa, and was delighted when he let me call him that. I remember him as dignified and kind. I am sorry he is gone, I am sorry for your loss. I hope the day comes soon when you can remember him with fondness and a smile rather than grief and sorry.

Felecia Wright

November 3, 2016

My heart goes out to you and your family

Ruby Jones Jones

November 3, 2016

Our deepest condolences to Aunt Lillie and the family. Uncle Albert was a great man and we were blessed to have had him in our lives and he will truly be missed.

Lee and Ruby Jones and Family

Bonnie Reichert

November 3, 2016

Col. Luster was a dear friend to me and my family. There were smiles all around when the 2 Col's, Dick & Al, got together. I will miss him like I do my father. I pray for healing and comfort for all the family and send love from the Reichert's in Maine.

Sally Rock

November 2, 2016

Lil and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I really thought Col. Luster was a very sweet and gentle man the few times I had the privledge to speak to him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all,

Lonnie and Rodell Reynolds

November 2, 2016

Jewel and Don and your entire family, Our deepest sympathy for the passing of your father. May the love of God strengthen you during this season of separation.

Marilyn Lawler

November 2, 2016

I work with his niece, Kathy Watson. She often spoke very highly of her uncle, and her mother's love of her brother. They are also a Christian family. May Jesus receive him with open arms.

Kyle Kelley

November 2, 2016

By far, Al was one of the most honorable, kind, and generous men I have ever known. It has been more than 20 years since I last say Al, but his life, his leadership, and his impact on my life are spoken of often. I hold this man in the highest regards because when I think of about being a "Man of God" Al is the man I think about!

Gaby Gomez

November 2, 2016

My deepest condolences to Valerie and the entire family mourning the loss of a truly great father, Veteran and overall man. I did not have the opportunity to meet Col. Luster, but through his daughter Valerie, we cherish the memories she has of her father. Love you Valerie. Gaby

Teresa Rodriguez

November 2, 2016

Lillie, so sorry for your loss. Al will be greatly missed.

Calvin Rayford

November 2, 2016

I had the honor and pleasure to have been blessed to spent time, with a great kingdom man. Dr. Tony Evans defined a "Kingdom Man", as one, who visibly demonstrates the comprehensive rule of God, underneath the Lordship of Jesus Christ, in every area of his life. Col Luster emulated and demonstrated the walk of a Kingdom Man in every aspect of his life. His love for God, our Savior, family, and church was always his mission in life. But most important is was his passion, which transcended in everything he did. He was committed to Jesus and denied himself to be a servant to the Lord. I believe the words of Matthew 16:24 is fitting where Jesus says to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. To sum it all up COL Luster has have fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith." Know my Brothers and Sister, he has received his crown. May he rest in peace. To his family and friends do not weep, but remember we have been blessed to have enjoyed his goodness and servant hood for 86 years. He will always be in each of us, because he given us all something to hold on to.

Blessings
Calvin Rayford
RET CSM US Army

Janette Van Kirk

November 2, 2016

"A hero remembered...never dies"
Al...you sir, are a hero who will live on for generations in the friends and family members whose lives you touched. You gave us all an example of a life well lived. You will be missed until we meet again.

James Henson

November 2, 2016

Al, I just want to say congratulations on your high promotion, and thank you for being my very dear friend! ✝

Carol Wilson

November 1, 2016

Rest in peace Sir.

Murry Burkhart

November 1, 2016

Brother Al,
Thank you for being so good to our family through the years. I looked up to you as a Christian mentor and cherished your wisdom. You will be missed by thousands. You were loved by our family. Job well done my faithful servant. To the family, much love and prayer.
Murry Burkhart

Patrick Glasow

November 1, 2016

Al, I will miss you as a neighbor, a friend, a leader, and a role model. May you rest in peace.

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Sign Albert Luster's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 20, 2020

Eugene Morris posted to the memorial.

October 2, 2017

Admyer Fell posted to the memorial.

May 11, 2017

David Merritt posted to the memorial.