Harold Glen Alford

Harold Glen Alford, 95, of Magnolia, AR died on March 9, 2018. He was born December 14, 1922 to Enos Hansel and Verna Elmore Alford. Harold graduated from Stephens High School and attended Magnolia A&M until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was sent to bombardier school, later serving as an instructor. Before being sent overseas, Harold married Freda Mayfield, the love of his life. He served as a B29 bombardier in the 20th Air Force assigned to Guam attaining the rank of Captain. Harold was honored to serve his country and was quick to share stories of his experiences. He was thrilled when at the age of 92 he got to ride in the bombardier seat of a B29 with the Commemorative Air Force. When WWII ended, Harold attended Centenary College and the University of Tulsa graduating with a petroleum engineering degree. He worked as a production engineer for Atlantic Richfield Oil Company for 34 years in Magnolia, AR and Longview, TX. Harold kept a daily diary for decades and was rarely seen without an armful of notebooks or photo albums full of happy memories. Above all Harold was a loving husband and father, extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Harold is preceded in death by his parents; Freda, his loving wife of 72 years; his sister Melba Black (Basil); sister-in-law Faye Handy; and special friend Bernard Smart. Survivors include his daughter Glenda Sue Cook (Bob) and son James David Alford (Jan) all of Magnolia, AR; sister-in-law Ann Miller (TJ) of Marion, LA. He is also survived by three grandchildren Brian Alford (Margo) of Huntsville, AL; Julie Routon (Stephen) of Little Rock, AR; Sarah Hardin (Barlo) of Memphis, TN; and five great grandchildren James, Ellie, Reed, Will, and Bo. Visitation will be Sunday, March 11 from 4:00-6:00 at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia, AR. A graveside service will be Monday, March 12 at 10:00 at the Stephens cemetery officiated by Pastor Pam Estes. Memorials may be made to the Commemorative Air Force (commemorativeairforce.org) or First United Methodist Church at 320 West Main, Magnolia, AR.