Alfred Lucas Cruz

He graduated in the class of 1970 from Caprock High School in Amarillo, Texas. He married Rayleen Hillier in 1980. He worked as a USPS mail carrier in Amarillo and Denver most of his life and greatly enjoyed the coworkers and friendships that he gained along the way.

His Sunday ritual was a round of golf and lunch with the guys. This became even more special when his son, Kyle, joined him. Kyle, even at a young age, knew how to show Dad up. For years, Al coached his daughter, Kellye, in softball. The family made a summer out of traveling around Colorado for tournaments.

His true passion in life was the Texas Longhorns. He tried to attend as many games as he could and religiously watched and followed the Longhorn football team through many years. One of the best nights of his life was spent in Austin at the Alamo Drafthouse with his family watching as the Longhorns won the national championship game in 2005.

Al is survived by his wife, Rayleen; and two children, Kyle (Erin) and Kellye (David). He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Tony (Cindy), Ofelia (Bobby), Evelyn, Gilda (Cameron), Thelma (James), Charlie, Pauline (Sidney), and Lily along with two sisters in law: Carole (Mike) and Rena (Kevin) and his mother in law, Theresa. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and dear friends and family.

He was preceded death by his mother (Eva), father (Antonio), father in law (Charlie), and sister (Gloria), who welcomed him to heaven with open arms.

The Cruz family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for Al during his numerous hospital stays. The care and compassion that you all provided is very much appreciated. There is a special place in our heart for those who made his last days as comfortable as possible.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 11, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m., Rosary service at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 12, 2012 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road.