Alan Howard Ritson's Obituary
Alan Howard Ritson, 80 , of Grand Prairie, Texas died August 4, 2020 in Mansfield, Texas of Heart Failure. He was born October 12,1939 , to Herbert Ritson and Beatrice Ritson in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. He married Lois Doreen Usher on March 31, 1962 in Brantford, Ontario. Canada. He was the Director of Emergency and Disaster Services for the Salvation Army.
He is survived by daughters Sandra Lynn Baugh, Grand Prairie, Texas, Debra Lois Hammack, Saginaw, Texas; son, Robert Alan Ritson, Frisco, Texas; Sister Janice Ritchie, Niagara Falls, Canada; brothers: Lt. Colonel Donald Ritson, Toronto, Canada, Norman Ritson, Oshawa, Canada and Major Kenneth Ritson, Oshawa, Canada; 6 Grandchildren: Crystal Baugh, Grand Prairie, Texas, JoAnna Baugh, Grand Prairie, Texas, Nikky Winkler, Weatherford, Texas, Kevin Winkler, Saginaw, Texas, Jordan Ritson, Frisco, Texas, Andrew Ritson, Frisco, Texas and one great-grandchild, Connor Franks.
He was preceded in death by Spouse, Lois Doreen Ritson
As a life-long Salvationist, Alan's passion for serving those in need evolved into a career that answered God's call. Alan served in many different programs for The Salvation Army before becoming the Director of Disaster Services, first, in Washington, D.C., then in the Texas Division. He coordinated relief efforts for many natural and man-made disasters throughout the country. His service in the Salvation Army also included using his many musical talents; playing his cornet in the brass bands, playing the piano and organ as well as writing music inspired by his service at disasters.
Alan felt the Lord's presence throughout his life but the pull to lead was never directed towards the pulpit. Instead, serving the poor, the needy, and the traumatized victims of disasters had always been his true ministry.
After his retirement from service, Alan felt called to author a book about his experiences, which came to fruition a week before his promotion to Glory.
Service: 8/11/2020 at 10:00 AM in Memorial Chapel
Visitation: Saturday 8/8/2020 4-6 public
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