Alfred Leo Major

Alfred Leo Major (87) passed away on April 2, 2025, at the Iowa VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. A public visitation will be held on Friday, April, 11 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale Iowa, 50322). Interment will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (34024 Veterans Memorial Dr, Adel, IA 50003) on Monday April 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. 

Alfred L. Major was born on February 5, 1938, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. He was raised and educated in the Excelsior Springs area graduating from Excelsior Springs High School. Following graduation, Alfred served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957.

Alfred later met Lauretta Smith and they eventually married on July 11, 1963. They raised 4 wonderful children together, Juan, Terence, Leslie, and Ronell. Alfred and Lauretta were married 61 years before his passing.

Alfred is preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Bright, and his Stepfather, William Bright, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Juan Smith, sisters, Shirley Thomas, Alma Somerset, Helena Grayson, Evelyn Crawford, brother, William (Junny) Bright.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Lauretta Major; of Des Moines, Iowa; son, Terence (Paul) Major of Johnston, Iowa; daughter, Leslie (Lamar) St. Clair of Des Moines, Iowa; and son, Ronell (Jackie) Major of Hiram, Georgia. As well as daughter, Rhonda Echols of Lee Summit, Missouri. He is also survived by his brothers, Glen (Phyllis) Whiteside of Des Moines, Iowa, Charles (Lucille) Floyd of Waukee, Iowa, and Virgil (Rose) Bright of Des Moines, Iowa. Also surviving is his loving sister, Thelma Barnes, of Raytown, Missouri. Alfred had several grandchildren that he was very fond of, as well as his great-great grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews.

The Major Family would like to thank the very kind and compassionate Doctors, nurses, nurse aides, and the environmental staff for the empathy you showed in working with Alfred. Your outstanding care did not go unnoticed.