Albert Sweatt

? Albert E. Sweatt, 97 years, of Monroe, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 in Medilodge in Monroe with his loving family at his side. He had been in declining health for the past 2 years Born March 19, 1915 in LaFollette, Tennessee, Albert was the son of the late Preston and Pairlee (Johnson) Sweatt. The family moved to Monroe in 1929 On April 26, 1941, Albert married his beloved wife the former Ada Pierce in Toledo, Ohio. Sadly, Ada preceded him in death on December 29, 1996. Albert served his country honorably and proudly in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He served from 1943 to 1946 and for his service to his country he received the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. Albert began his career in the restaurant business in 1946 when he bought the Busy Bee Restaurant in Monroe. He also owned Al’s Dairy Bar in South Monroe Townsite, the Country House Food Corp in Tecumseh, and JACA’S Broasted Chicken in LaSalle. In 1953 he opened Al’s Diner, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1971. Albert was a member of the Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee of the Church, Sunday School teacher, and sang in the choir. Albert was a member of the Monroe Lodge #27 Free and Accepted Mason’s of which he served as Worshipful Master in 1958. Albert achieved the rank of 32 Degree Mason, was a Knights Templar, and the Scottish Rite. Albert was also a member of The River Raisin Chapter #22 R&AM and River Raisin Council #4 R&SM and a life member of the IOOF. Albert enjoyed gardening, especially growing pumpkins to give to the neighborhood children. Albert is survived by his loving daughter and son in law Linda and John Miller of Monroe, three cherished grandchildren: Lt. Commmander Rev. Charles (Rebecca) Varsogea, Jennifer (Andrew) Steele, and Curtis (Leslie) Varsogea, seven treasured great grandchildren and a sister Cotina (James) Simmons of Monroe. In addition to his parents and wife, Albert was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe, where Lodge #27 F&AM will hold a Masonic Service at 6:00 PM. On Monday, September 24, 2012 he will lie in state at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00 AM until services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Roy Southerland will officiate. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions are suggested to Monroe Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund.