Roll Call Tribute

Albert Donald Gondran
June 30, 1928 - October 23, 2020

Albert Donald Gondran passed away peacefully on Friday October 23, 2020 surrounded by his loving family and is now reunited with the love if his life, Ann Cromwell Gondran.

Al was born in Lake Charles, LA on June 30, 1928. He was raised in Taylor, Texas where he was a proud member of the Taylor Duck band and football team. It was in Taylor where he first laid eyes on Ann from across the street and declared that he was going to marry her one day. They were married in a small, family-filled ceremony in June of 1954.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1950 and his Master’s in physics in 1955 from Texas A&M University. His love for his Aggies ran deep and was a proud member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. He often shared stories of his time at A&M with his family, including his attempt at stealing the LSU tiger alongside friends before being stopped at the border of Texas and Louisiana.

Al served with the occupational forces in Japan as a radio repairman after WWII. Then served in the Korean War as a Cryptanalyst. Setting up directional finding equipment at the front lines to locate enemy radio and artillery positions. He loved his country, and his service is proof of his selfless nature.

His achievements while working in the Defense Industry are endless, where he was able to apply his love of physics and mathematics. He worked for Convair, Chance Vaught, LTV, E-Systems and Raytheon within the defense industry from 1954 to 2012. Retiring at the age of 84, he loved his work, once advising his granddaughter to find a job she loved so that she would never work a day in her life, like he did.

Despite all of these accomplishments, Al would be the first to say his greatest was his family. His sons, Greg & Buzz, brought him endless joy, and they carry on his spirit through their commitment to family and their strong work ethic, as well as their humor and culinary skills. His daughters-in-laws were “his girls” and he loved them as his own. Jana Lee & Cheryl could do no wrong, and always brought a smile to his face. He embraced their parents and siblings with open arms. His favorite (and only) grandchild, Ann Elise, was dear to him. He spoiled her with gifts ranging from barbie jeeps to a semester in Barcelona. His greatest gift to her will always be the man she calls Dad and the man she calls Uncle.

Al is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Albert & Violet Canady Gondran, his sister Juanita Gondran, and his beloved wife, Ann Cromwell Gondran. He is survived by his brother Gerry Gondran and his family, his sister-in-law Harriet Cromwell Kerr and her husband Leonard Kerr, son Greg Gondran & wife Cheryl Gondran, son Buzz Gondran & wife Jana Lee Gondran, and grandchild Ann Elise Gondran Hanson and husband Carter Hanson.

The Gondran family expresses their deepest gratitude to his CC Young CNA’s: Doreth Shelton, Fadzai Maturure, Birtukan Gashaw, Meseret Demissie, Mulumebet (Japi) Gebrehiwot, Haydee Garcia and Eshet Belhu, who cared for him with love and kindness through his final moments.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday October 31st at 1 p.m. at Wilder Cemetery in Naples, Texas.

Al’s life was filled with joy and laughter, and his family encourages those that knew him to celebrate his life. Pour yourself a glass of fine bourbon, watch an Aggie or Dallas Cowboys football game, or snack on some Cheetos. Most importantly, call your dear ones and tell them you love them.

In leu of flowers, the Gondran family asks for donations to be made in his honor to the CC Young Scholarship Fund and Annual Bonus Fund. (https://www.ccyoung.org/donate-now/)

“Never happen, American G.I.” – Al “Gaga” “A.D.” “Butter” “Dad” “Pop” Gondran
June 30, 1928 – October 23, 2020

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Wilder Cemetery
Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
202 Pine Ave.
Naples, TX 75568




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