OCALA, FL (352today.com) – He was a man who lived and breathed the United States Marine Corps.

A memorial service was held on November 16th at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park to honor the life and legacy of USMC Cpl. Lewis B. Alston, a dedicated member of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard. Alston passed away on Nov. 18, 2023, but his memory continues to resonate powerfully with those who knew him best.

Known for his affable nature and ability to connect on any topic, Alston held his military service in the highest regard. As a key figure in the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, he served as Sergeant of the Guard, directed the rifle team, played bugler, and even maintained the group’s bus.

Cpl. Alston was on hand to present the colors at many of Ocala’s Walks to End Alzheimer’s. Courtesy: Kathy Dugan/352today

Col. Craig Ham, a retired U.S. Army officer, shared a heartfelt memory of his friendship with Alston.

“I think the Army and the Marine Corps share a bond because, at our core, we’re all infantrymen,” said Ham. “And Lewis, he epitomized that for me. The week that he passed, about three days before, I went to his house. He lived not far from me, in the southeast quadrant, and I took a special Marine Corps coin and gave it to Lewis. We talked for a while, and he had some trepidation about an upcoming medical appointment. I remember the more we talked, the more I felt in my chest that I might never see him again. Lewis and I hugged, and I told him that I loved him. When I left his house, I sat in my car and cried because he truly was a brother-in-arms and a man that I came to love. God has blessed Lewis Alston and all those around him.”

U.S. Army Capt. Stephen Petty and U.S. Army Pvt. Bruce Hutchinson, members of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, participate in the memorial service for fellow honor guard member USMC Cpl. Lewis B. Alston at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 16, 2024. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
USMC Sgt. Bob Levenson presents the flag to U.S. Army Pvt. Bruce Hutchinson during the memorial service for USMC Cpl. Lewis B. Alston at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
USMC Sgt. Bob Levenson honors USMC Cpl. Lewis B. Alston, a fellow member of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, during a memorial service at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Alston was remembered for his commitment to the community, his compassion, kindness and spirit of generosity, and also for looking out for his friends, especially those who served in Vietnam.

“My husband (Tom Brooks) was one of those,” said Joanne Brooks. “They had a bond, whenever one was having problems, they’d get on the phone and call and talk each other out of whatever they were getting ready to do. And then, there were other times they would sit under the oak trees out in front of the house and just talked about all the things they needed to get out. I think the greatest thing about this was, Tom was in the Army, and Lewis was in the Marines, and they had this thing going all the time.”

Alston’s legacy of service, kindness, and camaraderie continues to inspire his community, a true testament to his life as a Marine and a friend.