Alvin Ray Hambelton Sr., 86

Graveside services for Alvin Ray Hambelton Sr., 86, were held April 28, 2025, at Oak Lawn Cemetery in West Plains. He died April 24. 

Alvin was born Jan. 22, 1939, in Ozark County, to the late Alva Hambelton and Ruth Strong Hambelton.

Alvin graduated from Gainesville High School in 1957 and joined the United States Air Force on May 23, 1958. He joined to serve his country and learn a trade. He served as a communications specialist. Some of his favorite service memories were from the time he spent in Spain. He was honorably discharged on April 23, 1962.

He met the love of his life, Vonda Gregory, when he returned home from the service. They were married March 2, 1963, in West Plains. They had a son, Alvin Jr., born in January 1964, and a daughter, Melany was born in May 1968. Of the numerous jobs he had, one he enjoyed was being a chef on a ship, feeding the rig workers in the Gulf of Mexico. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and hunting in the Ozark hills.

He was proud that he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at age 13, and loved sharing the word of the Lord and testifying to everyone he met. He was a loving husband, father and greatest poppy to Emma. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by one son, Alvin Hambelton Jr.; one brother, John Hambelton; one grandchild, Emma Hannaford; one sister-in-law, Elma Jean Hambelton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Ruth Hambelton; wife, Vonda Hambelton; daughter Melany Hannaford; son-in-law Bradley Hannaford; brothers: Owen, Onard, Joe and Jim; and sister Ruby Stover.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.