Lt. Col. Alex E. Fazekas, USMC (Ret.), 82, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 16, 2015. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. Al made friends with everyone he met and was beloved by everyone he touched with his kindness and thoughtfulness. He will be long remembered for his courageous and proud devotion to his country.The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 20, 2015 at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church.Born in Pocahontas, VA, AL was raised in Cleveland, OH, where he learned to play the trumpet and caddied at the golf course where his father was grounds-keeper. He attended Ohio University for two years before being appointed to attend the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Upon graduation from the academy in 1956, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps. Later that same year, he married his beloved wife Kathy.Al served his country for 23 years in the US Marine Corps and retired here in Albany in 1979. During his military service, Al’s many assignments included: The Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, two tours in Okinawa, and one tour in Vietnam. He completed his career at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, GA, as Director of Repair Division and Material Division.After retiring from the Marines, Al attended Albany State College, earning his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He taught at Albany State College for eleven years in the Business Department. He loved his students and spent many extra hours helping them excel in their studies. Al also was the local Blue and Gold Recruiter for the United States Naval Academy.Lt. Col. Fazekas was a life-member of the American Legion Post 30 and an active member of the Marine Corps League, Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. His personal military decorations include: The Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and The Combat Action Ribbon.He is Survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathy Fazekas, his sons, William Fazekas and Courtney Fazekas, his grandchildren Kathryn Glen Fazekas and Laura Page Fazekas, his cousins Mrs. Margaret Ann Atwood (William), Mrs. Louise Sik, Mr. Jim Levay (Rita), and his aunt Mrs. Margaret Schlinz.The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Kimbrell-Stern.For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Marine Corps League Detachment # 1260, P.O. Box 70971 Albany, GA. 31708 or the Knights of Columbus 2009 Gillionville Road Albany, GA. 31707.
