Shockey Roots

Alton Benard Fouche’, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a friend made his transition on April 25, 2023. Alton was born in Benton, Mississippi to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Benard and Velma (Johnson) Fouche’ on September 15, 1933. He was the second oldest of six children. Alton attended St. Francis Catholic School in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Alton completed high school in Decatur, MI, and went to trade school. Alton served in United States Army for several years and received an honorable discharge.

On June 14, 1958. Alton married Betty (Gordon) of Detroit. They have 5 children from this union: Michael, Kathleen, David, Janet, and Jacqueline. They have six granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. They remained friends through the years and celebrated all family events together. They became each other’s confidantes, especially in important family matters.

Alton graduated from the Detroit Institute of Technology, and he joined the Post Office as one of the first black electronic technicians. Alton repaired televisions on the side including those belonging to Mayor Jerome Cavanagh, singer Jackie Wilson and Minister C L Franklin. He was known affectionately as “Al” among his friends. Al’s career began with the United States Post Office in 1957 as a maintenance employee on Fort Street. He retired from the postal office in 1990.

Although Al retired from the Post Office, he remained active in the Postal Union. Al has always believed in Unions. Al worked with the late Congressman John Conyers to bring the first breaks to the Post Office. He was the President of the National Association Post Office Maintenance Employees until they merged with the other unions to create the APWU-Detroit District Area Local in 1971. After the merger of the APWU, Al served as Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Maintenance Craft Director of the Detroit local. He was also a National Officer serving as a National Business Agent for the Central Region Maintenance Craft. In 1980, the APWU-Detroit District Area Local hosted the Fifth Biennial Convention August 3-8, 1980, and Al served as Special events and Children’s Activities Chairman. Even after his retirement from the post office in 1990, he remained active and served as President of the Detroit Retiree Chapter and Trustee for the Michigan Postal Workers Union until he retired July 20, 2021.

Alton was a loving father who touched the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Alton was proud to have his great-grandson Luka Alton named after him. Alton looked forward to the holidays, family events, and birthday celebrations with his family. He was delighted by the gourmet meals Janet prepared for him weekly.

Alton remained in Gesu Parish where all his children attended Gesu Elementary School. Alton loved to spend time with his family. Alton loved being busy and active. He was passionate about getting on the treadmill daily. Alton was active in the American Legion. When Alton retired in 1990, David and Alton formed a father-son residential and commercial paint company and later a construction business. They worked together for years.

Alton enjoyed traveling (our parents traveled the world early on), dining out, home cooking, gardening, fishing, collecting stamps & coins, and playing the lottery (often lucky). Alton traveled over 21 years, destination Orlando Florida and various locations around Florida and the Caribbean Islands. He made it a point to share quality visits with his daughter Jacqueline when she moved down to Tampa, Florida. He also made it a point to always stop and visit his sisters Merlene Fouche and Vera Stokes in Atlanta Georgia, along with an array of nieces, nephews and family friends.

In Michigan he loved making contributions to numerous family dinners with his own immediate family along with his sister Ola (Stephen) Hayes’s and brother Lenard. We had many enjoyable mini family reunions to whoever came in town, this has always been the highlight of “our” family times.

Alton enjoyed watching old movies, particularly Western and action films. Alton loved jazz and the blues. He looked forward to the Annual Jazz Festival. Alton also liked watching sports and keeping up with the political climate in this country. Alton once owned a dairy queen with the late Ed Coleman. His eldest two children had their first employment experience at the dairy queen and most of his children worked at the post office for interval periods. Make No Mistake – like Sinatra- he did life his way.

Al is preceded in death by his father Benard and mother Velma Fouche’, brother Otis Fouche’, and sister Vera Stokes. Al leaves behind to cherish his memory, Betty Fouche’, his 5 children Michael Fouche’, Kathleen Fouche’-Brazzle, David (Kimberly) Fouche’, Janet Beverly, and Jacqueline Fouche’; his 6 granddaughters Camille (Jason) Shockey, Sydney Fouche’, Dominique Fouche, Jodi Fouche’, Sabrina Fouche’, & Brittany Beverly; 1 grandson Justin Carson; three great-grandchildren Brooke Shockey, Luka Alton Shockey & Skylar Shockey; two sisters Etha Fouche’ & Ola (Stephen) Hayse and one brother Lenard Fouche’; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members.

Rest in Peace

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 25800 W 10 Mile Rd Southfield, MI 48033.

His family and friends are invited to share happy memories and celebrate Al’s life by signing the guest book on this Legacy website. Again friends and family are welcomed to include departing words of encouragement! You may also utilize the purchase of flower arrangements or trees to his memory, from this website! The entire family wants to take the time to sincerely thank everyone in advance, to those who have shared on this website and through the beautiful numerous words of condolences & words of encouragement, via phone calls, flowers, letter, cards etc., we are honored by it all!

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 1, 2023.