Alan Y. Harrison, 90, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Cedarhurst of Godfrey.The family lost a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born October 25, 1933, to Rolla Herschel and Sarah Evelyn (Young) Harrison.
Alan graduated from Alton High School in 1951. He attended Millikin University and graduated from Shurtleff College in Alton. He was employed by Alton Box Board which later became the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation. After 39 years of service, he retired in 1994 as Purchasing Manager.
He was a 42-year member of 12th Street Presbyterian Church, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of the War of 1812. He also belonged to The Eagles and the Alton-Wood River Sportsmen's Club. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling, golf and racquetball. Alan was also an avid history buff whose interests were family genealogy, American Revolution history and local history. Family and friends were the highlight of his life.
He married Betty Bartlett on December 23, 1953 in Alton. This union produced seven children: Bart (Debbie) Harrison, Brett (Katherine) Harrison, Amy (Gary) Webster, Ben (Juliana) Harrison, Angie Sproull, Ned (Michelle) Harrison and Neil Harrison. He married Nancy (Blaine) Dillard on April 19,1975 in East Alton. Nancy had two daughters: Julie (Jim) Yost and Joni (Dan) Murphy. All children survive, along with 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Judy Harrison. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, his parents, a brother, John, a grandson and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Reverend George VanVoorhis will officiate. Memorials may be made to Fosterburg Fire Protection District. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
