Albert Thomas Van Story, Sr.

Albert Thomas Van Story, Sr embodied and lived his life the best a man can be. A lifetime of faith in God and Christ, devoted to his amazing wife for over 59 years as they co-lead their family in love, faith, and service to others. If you were fortunate to know Al, you knew he loved you without condition or limit. Al was a diligent example of hard work, integrity, and sharing his talents in blessing and lifting those around him. Al fiercely loved and prioritized his family (biological and chosen). I wish every person had a spouse, father, grandfather, uncle, friend like AL. To be a Great man, it requires partnership with a great woman. Al understood his choice for a spouse was critical to build the future he desired. He chose wisely a woman his equal in every way. Joyce and Al are a unified team in all they do and have created and enjoyed a happy and successful life together. I wish I could clone Al and Joyce and put one set in every neighborhood with the peace of knowing them being there created a safe, inviting, and loving place to be for all around them. Al and Joyce’s home is a place where people gather for fun, for faith, and to enjoy life. Many in our neighborhood have no family close by, so Al and Joyce have brought them into their family so that no one is left out or lost. Al’s life gives reason to rejoice, have hope, and follow his example. While he will be greatly missed, His legacy is one of joy and purpose. His example is one worthy of following. He’s the Superman of Christian love and kindness, which is something our world needs more of. While we may live in a broken and fallen world, we need to be these, too. Al showed us how you can live in the world and not be dragged down by it. Through faith and principled living, you can be happy and excel at living a blessed life, as Al has shown us. I know this passing was a glorious reunion with God, Jesus, and loved ones already passed. One day his family will be together again and enjoy the blessings of resurrection as a forever family. We send love and prayers to the Van Story family for sharing Al's love and friendship with us.

"So for now you are in grief; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take a way from you your joy." (John 16:22) The Lord gives and the Lord takes, blessed be the name of the LORD. Our heart are with you during this difficult time. May you be reminded today that you can never lose what Jesus already saved! The journey on earth is hard and can be lonely at times, thats why God gives us family and community to streanthen one another in times like this. So please hold on to each other and all the promises we are given. You are all in our heart and in our prayers The Velasquez Family

Thinking upon my childhood growing up across the street from the Van Story family, I have many wonderful memories of Al and Joyce always saying hello and asking us how we were doing. We were always invited in during the holidays. I loved having my Physical Science class in high school with Avery sitting right behind me. I think we talked more than worked in class. We rode the bus every day after school for years until Avery got his blue "fish bowl". We loved having Alyssa come come over to swim and play. As the years have flown by, it has always been a comforting thought that Joyce and Al were there in the neighborhood. And now that Al has gone ahead of us, it makes me realize how much I took their kindness, their gentle presence, for granted. I am very grateful to know the Van Story family and grateful for all the love, kindness, and generosity they have shown me over these many years. I will always remember each of them with love and respect.

Some know him as Albert but for me he will always be my Uncle Pee Wee. I will always be Junie. Love you Uncle Pee Wee and you will be missed.

I miss you Dad... more than words can say.