Alfred Shiner Obituary

Navy Cmdr. Alfred Leroy "Al" Shiner of Colorado Springs wore wings of gold and spent 10,000 hours in the air piloting an amazing array of transport planes in wartime and peace. He traveled all over the globe and was honored with commendations and medals for service to the country he loved. His friends and loved ones say Cmdr.Shiner, who died Thursday, May 4, 2006, at 82, will best be remembered for his happy, out-going personality, and his determination to help those around him. His friendly "Howdy" and "Glad you got to see me!" will long be remembered. Born in Braymer, MO., Shiner entered the Navy in 1943 where he was commissioned and trained as a pilot. In the days of piston engines and propellers, Cmdr. Shiner flew some of the Navy's largest planes including the triple-tailed Lockheed Constellation, the famed Douglas Skymaster. Outside the cockpit, he served in a number of management duties from running a Navy Reserve center in Hutchinson, KS, to being the Administrative Officer of the Naval Station in Pensacola, FL. Even with all of the responsibilities he had, he earned a reputation as a well-liked commander who took care of his sailors. He retired from the Navy in 1972, after 28 years of service. In 1980 he reunited with an old friend, Joyce. The time apart only seemed to deepen their love and they married in a bond that would last a quarter of a century. In retirement, Shiner reveled in spending time with family and roaming the country in a motor home, venturing from Alaska to Florida. He and Joyce came to Colorado in 1995, settling in Chipita Park. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, James Shiner; daughter, Joyce Leahy; stepdaughters, Sheryl Luchtefeld, and Diane Henson; stepson, James Moberly; 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Services are planned for Friday, May 12, 2006 at Gateway Presbyterian Church, 731 Castle Rd. in Colorado Springs (80904). Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with the service following. Burial be will be at the Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL. Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter, 455 Sherman St., Ste 500, Denver, CO., 80203 or to the Gateway Presbyterian Church.