Dates
Jack Harold Albert, age 82, left this earth with his wife by his side, surrounded with the love of his family, on February 3rd, 2018.His family is comforted knowing that Jack is at peace after his long, brave battle with Alzheimer’s. Jack and his family are very grateful for the love and support from his many dear friends.
Jack was born on August 25, 1935, as the first of two sons, to Harold and Nina McLaughlin Albert in San Angelo.
Jack attended Santa Rita Elementary, Lee Jr. High School and San Angelo High School, where he graduated in 1954. He loved sports and was a letterman in football and track during his high school years. He was a bright young man, and ultimately pursued his higher education in the sciences.
In 1955 Jack attended Texas Technological School (now Texas Tech University). While attending school, he worked part time for the City of Lubbock Engineering Department. Jack achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, with a minor in mathematics in 1959. He interviewed with his uncle, Reece Albert, prior to his graduation, and reached an agreement for a position with in the small civil contracting firm.
Jack was given the responsibility of running the family business early in his career. It was “baptism by fire”, and Jack’s knowledge for business and the construction industry grew very quickly. Over his 56 years with the company, and through his guidance, the small West Texas family business grew into a major heavy construction and materials business, known today as Reece Albert, Inc. and CSA Materials, Inc.
In 1990 Jack married Debbie Garnett Albert. Together they met the world with enthusiasm and started their active role in Associated General Contractors of Texas with their daughter, Shauna. They built a life of Love and adventure.
Jack became a leader on the state level through his involvement and two presidencies (1995 and 2009) with the influential Associated General Contractors of Texas. This is an organization that he was devoted to, and to which he gave his time, talent and treasure. His clear way of communication was the reason Jack was called upon on numerous occasions to represent the transportation industry in settings ranging from public hearings to private meeting with policy makers. He was a steady voice for the Texas transportation industry, for West Texas, and for the family business.
Jack served in leadership positions with other industry organizations, including as a Life Director for the Associated General Contractors of America; as a Board member with the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association; as an Executive Committee member with Texas Good Roads; as a Vice-Chairman, and Executive Committee member, Board member, and various Chair and Co-Chair positions with the American Road and Transportation Builders Association; and as a member of the advisory Council with the Texas Transportation Institute.
Jack was very involved in the San Angelo community. He served on a number of City of San Angelo and Chamber of Commerce Boards, was a force in local economic development, served as a Board member for Angelo Community Hospital (now called Community Medical Center), was an officer in the San Angelo Jaycees, and was involved with the Kiwanis club.
Jack nurtured the growth of four children during his lifetime. Three sons Richard Lon, Stuart Todd, Kenneth Ross from his former marriage to Carolyn Pope Albert in 1955. One daughter, Shauna L’Nea, from his marriage to Debbie in 1990. His children were deeply influenced by this man and his strong work ethic. He impressed on them life lessons and advice they cherish, and they will carry forward with them their entire lives.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nina McLaughlin Albert. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his brother Mike and wife Sharon of Colleyville; his children Lon and wife Kim of San Angelo, Todd and wife Kat of Durango, CO, Ross and his wife Michelle of New Braunfels, Shauna and her husband Jeff Perroots of Charleston, SC; his grandchildren Alexandra of Durango, CO., Paxton of Utrecht, The Netherlands, Evan of Palmer, CO, Bryson of Tuscaloosa, AL, Victoria of New Braunfels, Jovanna of San Angelo and Madelyn of Charleston, SC. And his first great-grandchild Lily of Palmer, CO. and Carolyn Pope Albert, mother of his sons.
A private family burial service will be held at Fairmount Cemetery on Thursday, February 8th. Honorary pall bearers will be J.B. Fraley of Alto, NM, Stormy Kimrey of San Angelo, Ray Stoker of Odessa, Mickey Sallee of San Angelo, Steve Hooker of Denton, Tanner Albert of Colleyville, Shea Shurley of Mexico City. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 8th at First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of San Angelo or their favorite charity. The family cannot express enough thanks to the people who helped care for Jack during his battle. These wonderful people include the staff at New Haven who cared for him daily and the people with Hospice who helped Jack and his family through the most difficult times. All of them must know they were a godsend to the family and we will be forever thankful.