Albert Edward Allison

Albert "Al" Allison was born on January 26, 1949, to parents, Floyd E. Allison and D. Wanda Miller Allison. He peacefully passed from this life in the home he had built to his eternal home on July 7, 2023, at the age of 74. He grew up in Barnsdall and graduated with the class of 1967. Following graduation, Albert enlisted in the US Navy in 1969 where he served for almost 28 years. He retired in 1996 with full military honors with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was stationed on the east coast at Naval Air Stations, Norfolk and Oceana (Virginia Beach).
While serving in the Virginia Beach area, Albert met and married Eleanor Cartwright in 1986. They made their home in this area until they were needed in Barnsdall to help care for Albert's mother, Wanda. Answering this need, Al retired from the Navy and returned to Barnsdall to build a home for the loves of his life.....his mom, dad, and Eleanor.
Albert will be remembered as a multi-talented man. He was a master builder and electrician and a well-known taxidermist. Eleanor would not recommend him as a plumber, though. His avocacations involved hunting, fishing, and camping. While none were particularly enjoyed by Eleanor, she whole-heartedly supported them with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for Al and his buddies. His Ranger boat was a prized possession and he willingly shared rides and fishing expeditions with family and friends. He traveled a bit in later years with Eleanor and friends, Deryl and Patti Wyrick. Branson was a favorite location, but he really enjoyed the Tulsa State Fair and the Boat and Farm shows. He could play a mean game of Mexican Dominoes. Miraculously, Al was able to put puzzles together even in the advanced stages of Alzheimers.
All of Albert's hobbies were enjoyable, but his real joy revolved around his church. He loved his church family, especially the men in his Sunday School class. He served as a trustee, which meant he was always on call to fix anything that wasn't working properly. He and Eleanor were custodians extraordinaire of the First Baptist Church where Albert has been a member since his salvation as a young man, Being a student of God's Word, Al loved teaching his SS class until Alzheimers robbed him of the ability to do so. All who know Albert will remember him for his love for Eleanor and his Lord. When the stresses of life appeared hopeless, Albert always knew that God was in control of all that Eleanor couldn't or wouldn't handle.
Albert had many, many friends, but his special "bud" was Deryl Wyrick. He was blessed by his cousin-friend, Gene Long, who shared his love of fishing. Stepping up and standing in the gap in many ways has been James (nephew) and Faith Allison. His uncle, Glen Miller, has often been called on for help and advice as well as a fishing partner.
Other special people in Al's life include a God child, Timothy Scott Saunders, two "sisters in love", Vicky Cartwright of Virginia Beach and Cindy Faucette of Thurmont, Maryland, a brother-in-law, Lee Oldakar of Virginia Beach, Navy buddy, Rick Craig of Virginia Beach, "adopted children", Julie, Cheryl, and Beth Wyrick of Spring, Tx., and a couple of adopted grandchildren, Tyler and Kamryn "Monkey" Eaves of Barnsdall.
Albert was pre-deceased by his own parents, Eleanor's parents, Walter and Alma Cartwright, and his brother-in-law, Walter "Bubba" Cartwright, Jr.
He is survived by brother, Arthur ( Linda) Allison of Barnsdall, sister, Ruth Kahler of Barnsdall, and Tom (Shelly) Allison of Bartlesville. Also an uncle, Glen Miller of Barnsdall, and an aunt, Mary Jo Grayson of Pryor, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and brothers/sisters in Christ.
Albert was a long-time member of the Barnsdall American Legion Post 227 and served as Commander for several of those years. It would be hard to count the number of flags he has put out or the times he has cleaned the rifles at the post.
A memorial service for Albert will be held at the First Baptist Church, Barnsdall, Ok on Tuesday, July 11, at 1:00 PM. Officiating will be brothers in Christ, Gerald Biswell (pastor), Larry Kelley (deacon and SS teacher), and Tom Cox (pastor emeritous).
Casket escorts will include Brian Unkenholz, Richard Allison, Rick Miller, Clint Miller, Lloyd Allison, James Allison, and Gene Long.
Full military rites will follow the service performed by members of American Legion Posts 227.