Alvin "Al" George Titchener

His mind is clear. His body is whole. He is free. Alvin (Al) G. Titchener died of pneumonia in the early hours of January 24 at Prairie Pines ECF with his wife by his side. He was a warrior fighting the ravages of Alzheimer’s for over seven years.

Al was the youngest of 12 children born to Louis O. and Anna Elvera (McCormick) Titchener. He entered the world at the family home in Veteran with his fraternal twin Calvin (Cal) on April 18, 1938. He spent his early years in Veteran until the family moved into Torrington following the blizzard of ’49. He was a 1956 graduate of Torrington High School. He joined the Air Force soon after graduating.

Al moved to Lusk in 1962, first working at the Ranchers Feed elevator. He built the iconic B-Q Corral in the early 60s, where many activities supporting the local sports teams took place. He also worked at the port of entry, in the oil field and briefly owned the Silver Dollar Bar. The majority of his work life was spent with the Town of Lusk. He was first town clerk, then superintendent of public works, a position he held until his retirement in 2001.

Al was the father of five children from his marriage to Mary Bernbeck Titchener. They were later divorced. He married two other times which also ended in divorce. In 1988 he met the love of his life, Eva Andrews Erlewine. They married six months later and spent 33 years together. Al’s family grew several times as he hosted Japanese exchange students. The sharing of his home continued when he and Eva also hosted three students during their marriage.

He enjoyed the local sports activities early on as a referee, then as a dedicated spectator. He also was passionate about his hunting camp which he set up for many years and was enjoyed by guys from all over the country. When first moving to Lusk he joined numerous organizations to meet people. He became involved with the Senior Pro Rodeo in the early 90s, an association that took him to rodeos in the area and around the country and created lifelong friendships. He and Eva were inducted into the Senior Pro Hall of Fame in 2019 in recognition of the many years they hosted a picnic for the Lusk Rodeo contestants. In his community service however it was the Lusk Volunteer Fire Department that would be a constant for nearly 40 years.

Al is survived by his wife Eva; his sister Mary Duryee; children Mark, Traci, Valeri and Brad; stepsons Austin Erlewine and Nick Thompson; stepdaughters Cari Farris and Cami Flores; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and three generations of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and eight sisters, including five that died in infancy or childhood and one infant son.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, February 11 at the Congregational Church in Lusk. Al wished for memorials to go to the Lusk Volunteer Fire Department and the Niobrara Senior Center.

Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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