Aldrich Singletary Obituary

Aldrich Leonidas Singletary

September 17, 1925 - July 19, 2025

Hot Springs, Arkansas - Aldrich Leonidas "Al" Singletary, Jr., age 99, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Al was born on September 17, 1925, to Aldrich L. Singletary and Sigrid Elizabeth Singletary (née Johnson). He lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to family, unwavering faith, and a quiet strength that touched all who knew him.

Al was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Singletary (née Linn), with whom he shared more than 55 years of marriage; his parents; his siblings Mildred Lucy, James Kirk, and Kenneth Till Singletary; his sister-in-law Olga Fernandez Singletary; and his son-in-law Mark David Martin.

He is survived by his eight devoted children:

Kathleen Mary Fehr (Dr. Richard Fehr).

Dr. Thomas Aldrich Singletary.

Michael Patrick Singletary (Shawnda Leigh Singletary, née James).

Daniel Edward Singletary (Jean Marie Singletary, née Cunningham).

Peggy Ann Martin.

Timothy Patrick Singletary (Joanne Marie Houck, Esq.).

John Joseph Singletary (Geetangali Singletary, Esq., née Yadav).

Lt. Col. William Paul Singletary (Kimberly Singletary, née McCarthy).

He is also lovingly remembered by his niece Jeannine Moraitis and nephews Kirk and Kevin Singletary; 18 grandchildren: Rebecca Ann, Melissa Linn, Amy Leigh, Dara Ann, Danielle Nicole, Sarah Linn, Brittany Renee, Erin Elizabeth, Emily Ann, Lesley Ann, Patrick Thomas, Grant David, Jacob Daniel, Jenna Elizabeth, Emma McCarthy, William Aldrich, Miles Yadav, and Sajel Yadav; and nine great-grandchildren: Aiden, Kaelyn, Hudson, Harper, Christian, Bree, Camden, Brielle, and Hendrix; as well as extended family and countless dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Al spent his early childhood in Puerto Castilla, Honduras, before his family moved through Georgia and Kentucky during the Great Depression, eventually settling in New Orleans in 1936. In 1943, before completing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He earned his Enlisted Aircrew Member Wings as a waist gunner on the B-24 Liberator and B-29 Superfortress bomber aircraft. A proud member of the "Greatest Generation," Al exemplified the virtues of service, sacrifice, and devotion to a higher calling.

Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Al attended Loyola University in New Orleans, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He later received a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) from Loyola in 1953. During this time, on a streetcar named Desire, he met the love of his life, fellow Loyola student Patricia "Patsy" Linn. They married on June 6, 1953, and just five days later, Al passed the Louisiana State Bar exam.

Together, Al and Patsy raised eight children, building a home rooted in faith, learning, laughter, and unconditional love. Their enduring partnership remains a testament to Christian devotion and resilience. Al dedicated over 35 years to Wausau Insurance Companies, where he was admired for his integrity, professionalism, and steady leadership. In 1964, the family relocated from Louisiana to Euless, Texas, where Al lived until moving to Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 2019.

A longtime parishioner of St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas, Al was a man of deep Catholic faith. He lived that faith through quiet service and was a committed member of the St. Mary's chapter of the Knights of Columbus. For 17 years, he coached Little League baseball, basketball, and football leaving a lasting impression on the lives of countless young people. In retirement, he continued sharing his knowledge and curiosity as a college instructor, teaching computer science, photography, and genealogy.

Al was a man of wide-ranging interests, deep intellect, and profound humility. He found joy in travel, photography, family history, and lifelong learning. He had a gentle sense of humor, a generous heart, and a remarkable ability to make those around him feel seen, heard, and loved.

One of his proudest legacies was the vibrant annual Singletary Family Reunion, which he and Patsy began more than 30 years ago, a cherished tradition that continues to unite generations.

Above all, Al will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and principled man whose daily life reflected his quiet faith. His legacy of humility, service, and strength lives on in all who were blessed to know him.

A funeral mass will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Monday, July 28. Visitation at St Mary of the Springs in Hot Springs Arkansas at 11:45 a.m. followed by Rosary at 1 p.m. and the Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. There will be a Lunch Reception in the Parish Hall following Mass and all are welcome.

An additional Visitation will be held at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, TX Sunday August, 3rd from for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The burial service and interment will be held at the DFW National Cemetery on Monday August 4th at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Honor Flight DFW honoring veterans at honorflightdfw.org or Project Hope Food Bank in Hot Springs, Arkansas or St. Mary of the Springs Food Pantry.