Nathaniel Jefferson Alford, 85, of La Marque, passed away August 20, 2008 at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center. He was born December 12, 1922 in Cameron, TX to William and Vivian Alford Sr. Mr. Alford has been a resident of La Marque since 1952. As a young man, Nat served in the US Navy during WWII and subsequently was a member of VFW. Later he was employed by Union Carbide where he worked for 39 years and was involved with the Pioneer Club, retiring as a shift superintendent. Nat was a lifelong sports enthusiast: avid hunter and fisherman, captain of the football team in 1941 and La Marque youth baseball coach. He was also in the Knights of Columbus and a faithful member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Mr. Alford is survived by his wife, Patricia Mistretta Alford of La Marque, TX; sons Jeff Alford and wife Danette of Beaumont, TX, Tim Alford and wife Virginia of Houston, TX, Mike Alford and wife Terri of Houston, TX; sisters Virginia McMillan of Plum Grove, TX, Winifred Fletcher of Hitchcock, TX; brother Bill Alford and wife Frances of Hitchcock, TX; grandchildren Nathan Alford III, Leigh Anne Alford, William Alford, Amanda McNeil and husband Orrie, Angela Alford, Jonathan Alford, Sarah Alford, and Andy Benitoa and wife Melissa. Nathaniel is preceded in death by his parents William and Vivian Alford Sr. and sister Jean Pyle.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 22, 2008 from 5 to 8 PM with a vigil at 7:15 PM in the chapel of the James Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque, TX. Funeral Service will be Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 11 AM at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in La Marque with Msgr. T. Joseph Culver officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, TX.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Alford, William Alford, Jonathan Alford, Andy Benitoa, Orrie McNeil, James Agnew, George Pyle, and Randy Stricklind.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.