Edward D. Alford Jr. was born at Monowi, Nebraska on March 5, 1924, to Edward and Elsie (Schindler) Alford Sr. At three years of age, he moved with his parents and sisters, Loraine and Lula Mae, to the farm five miles northeast of Naper, Nebraska, which was owned by his Grandfather, William Alford. He lived on the same farm where five generations of Alfords have and continue to operate the farm and ranch. He attended country school, District Number 50, for eight years, and graduated from Butte (NE) High School in 1941.

As a young man, he trusted in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. He was a life-long member of Calvary Bible Church in Bonesteel, South Dakota.

On June 16, 1949, he married Lois Reel of Spencer, Nebraska in a ceremony in Spencer. Edward and Lois were the proud parents of Becky Jo, Edward Paul who died in infancy, Jan LuRae, and James Douglas.

Edward was a kind, hardworking farmer and rancher who always put God and his family first in his life. He found great enjoyment in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was always very proud of their accomplishments.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents Edward Sr. and Elsie Alford; infant son Edward Paul; sister Loraine Mills and brother-in-law Marvin Mills; his mother and father-in-law Paul and Nell Reel; brother-in-law, Robert Conklin.

Edward is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lois, daughter Becky Jo and husband Ken Cole of Lincoln, NE; daughter Jan and husband Doug Hamm of Treynor, IA; and son Jim and wife Becky Alford of Naper, NE; his sister Lula Mae Reckling of Chippewa Falls, WI; his sister-in-law Luceil Conklin of Lynch, NE; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday , December 5, 2018 at 11:30 AM at the Calvary Bible Church in Bonesteel, SD.  Burial will be in the Alford Cemetery, Monowi, NE.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.