Albert A. Southard, 95, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away Wednesday, April 15 at Brookdale-Rosehill Assisted Living community.

Albert was born on Sept. 28, 1919 on the family farm near Bushong, KS in Lyon county. He was the second son to R. C. "Mike" Southard and Elsie Dennis Southard. He had a lifelong love of flying and owned his own plane as a young man.

He served in the Army Air Corps during WW2 as a B-17 pilot and later in the US Air Force as a Communications Officer retiring at the rank of Lt. Col. after a career of 24 years with assignments in England, Japan, Korea, Newfoundland, Philippines, Vietnam, New Guinea and the US. After retiring, Albert managed the Kansas Employment Service Office in Salina, Kansas.

Albert was a talented cook, mechanic, and inventor with several patents to his name. He was a life member of the VFW, American Legion, and a member of the Air Force Association and Retired Officers Association.

He was a dedicated Mason, past master of Council Grove Lodge #36, past Worthy Patron of Old Mission Chapter #178 Order of the Eastern Star, member of the Abdullah Shrine and Shawnee Lodge #54, achieved 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite, and was awarded Knight Commander of the Court of Honour.

Albert was married to Constance Summers for over 55 years until her death in 2005. He was preceded in death by his brother Jesse.

He is survived by his son, John Southard and wife Ellen; his daughter, Linda Harris; three grandchildren, Will Harris; Andrea Nicol and husband Jonathon; Jamie Talbott and husband Chad; three great grandchildren, Stellan, Katherine, and Emmett. Albert will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation and Services

Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 20 at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7400 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210 or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.