Alford Northern

BENTON, Mo. -- Alford J. Northern, 64, of Benton died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at his home.

He was born Jan. 15, 1952, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Roy and Nora Moss Northern. He and Elaine Langston Northern were married Aug. 12, 1988, at Sikeston.

He was an active volunteer and member of Unity Baptist Church in Benton. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a volunteer fireman at Miner, Missouri, and also had been a sheet-metal worker.

Al was a dedicated husband and a loving father and grandfather. After retiring, his passion was woodworking, and he was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Northern of Benton; his mother, Nora Moss Northern of Sikeston; two sons, Roy (Susan) Northern of Farmington, Missouri, and Keith (Beth) Northern of Gosnell, Arkansas; two stepsons, Jeff and Tim Wulfers; two stepdaughters, Julie LeNeave and Terri Brown; a brother, Tony Northern; four sisters, Vickie Benton, JoAnn Heffington, Paula Shaver and Tammie Bennett; 17 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father; a daughter, Kristie Hill; and a brother, Stanley Northern.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Unity Baptist Church in Benton.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Dennis Lowe officiating. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military rites conducted by the Missouri Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the St. Louis Fisher House, No. 1 Jefferson Barracks Road, St. Louis, MO 63125, or to Unity Baptist Church, 4846 State Highway 77, Benton MO, 63736.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.