Al Comstock

Allen "Al" James Comstock, son of Manford L. Comstock and Edith Lillian (Nichols) Comstock, was born on March 1, 1939, in Rodman, New York. He grew up on a dairy farm in Adams, New York, alongside his siblings, Arline and Alvin. The farm, home to a herd of predominantly Jersey cows, is where Al first came to understand the true meaning of hard work.
Winters in upstate New York were long and snowy, and Al shared stories of taking milk to the factory using a team of horses and pair of sleighs. Before and after school, he worked with his father milking cows on their land off Comstock Road, a place that would remain close to his heart throughout his life. Al spoke often of his parents with admiration - his father for his tireless work ethic, and his mother for her musical gifts that filled their home with warmth and song.
After graduating from Mannsville Manor High School in 1957, Al enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was first stationed in Long Island, New York, and later transferred to Oklahoma City. While serving with the Third Mobile Communications Squadron, he played a vital role in establishing communication towers in diverse locations including Alaska, Chile, Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Recognizing the need for further technical expertise, Al attended jet school in Nevada. After completing his training, he was deployed to Japan, where he served for three years. Upon returning to the U.S., he was stationed in both Oklahoma City and Altus, Oklahoma. He later accepted an overseas assignment in Taiwan, serving there for 15 months. Al's final station was in Louisiana, where he remained until retiring as a Technical Sergeant on October 1, 1977, after proudly serving his country for 20 years.
During his time at Tinker Air Force Base, a friend of his set him up on a blind date with Jo Ann Eike in 1961. Sharing a mutual love of dancing, they were quite taken with one another. Al and Jo Ann were married on June 1, 1962, at the First Christian Church in Woodward, Oklahoma, and spent 63 joyful years dancing through life together.
While living in Japan, they welcomed two sons: Scott Allen Comstock and Jeffery "Jeff" Dean Comstock. His sons were the joy of his life. There was no doubt those three were related and he took great pride in the things they accomplished as a family. They were the true definition of a team - working together in all aspects of life.
After retiring from the military, Al moved his family to Jo Ann's hometown of Woodward, Oklahoma, where he began a second career in oilfield supply sales. He first worked for Wildcat Supply before taking a leap of faith and opening his own business, Comstock Oilfield Supply, on October 19, 1987.
When he wasn't at the office, where he worked until the age of 86, Al could be found on a tractor or tending to his greenhouse. He had a remarkable green thumb and took pride in turning tiny seeds into thriving trees. He had a special passion for plants, and few things made him light up more than talking about them.
In the summertime, Al could often be found searching for wild grape bushes or plum thickets, gathering grapes and plums to make his homemade jelly. Each morning, he and Jo Ann would enjoy it together on their toast, a simple joy they shared. Al also had a deep love for birds and took great pride whenever the purple martins returned to nest nearby.
Al also had a deep love for music. Give him a pair of spoons, and he could play for hours, tapping out rhythms with a grin. But above all, he loved the life he built with his family just north of Woodward. Sunday dinners were sacred, as the Comstock clan gathered around the table, and his holiday cooking was legendary.
A gifted storyteller, Al had a way of making you feel like you were right there in the memory with him. He was tough, steady, and proud - but when it came to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they could do no wrong (well, most of the time). His presence was the heart of the family, and his booming laugh could brighten even the darkest day.
Al is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann Comstock of Woodward; two children, Scott Comstock of Woodward, and Jeff Comstock and wife Misty of Woodward; five grandchildren: Michael Comstock and wife Paige of Denver, CO; Miranda Smith and husband Kaleb of Webb City, MO; Brendan Comstock and wife Chase of Sioux City, SD; Devon Comstock and wife Alena of Woodward; and Chesley Comstock of Stillwater, OK. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Kamden Smith, Kasen Smith, Asher Comstock, and Kade Smith; along with in-laws, nieces, nephews, a large extended family, and many cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ted and Naomi Eike; sister and brother-in-law, Arline and Jerry Jareo; brother, Alvin Comstock; sister-in-law, Billie Lanora Eike; niece, Brooke Eike; and nephews, Tad Eike, David Jereo and Stevie Jereo.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Woodward.