Alton A. Kimball's Obituary
Lakeland – Mr. Alton A Kimball, 81, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. He was born on December 12, 1935 in Plaucheville, Louisiana. As a Cajun, his first language was French and he didn’t learn to speak English until he started school. In March of 1954, Alton joined the U.S. Navy. He met his wife, Joan, in New York and they married in 1959. During his career, which spanned over 20 years, he served aboard five different ships. He also did a tour teaching NROTC at Rice University in Houston, Texas, as well as a tour teaching Navigation at OCS in New Port, Rhode Island. The highlight of his career was his service aboard the carrier, USS Shangri-La, when he made a one year long world cruise.
Alton retired from the U.S Navy as a Senior Chief Quartermaster. Upon retirement in 1974, Alton moved with his family to Polk County, Florida, where he served as a Junior ROTC Instructor at Auburndale High School. During this time, he attended college at night, graduating, with honors, from Florida Southern College in 1979, with an Elementary Education Degree. He then began his second career teaching emotionally handicapped students.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Steven A. (Rebecca) Kimball; daughters, Alesia K. Riggall, Michelle K. Finley; sister, Margaret K. Martinez; 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Alton was a member of Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday, Aug. 12th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens, 3350 Mall Hill Dr. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, 10:30 am at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.gentry-morrison.com
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