DULA, ALFRED ARFKEN (1920 ~ 2014). The following is an obituary for Al Dula, Pearl Harbor survivor and decorated United States Army Air Force pilot. The obituary was published in the February 26, 2014 edition of the Austin American Statesman.
DULA, Alfred A.
Alfred A. Dula passed away peacefully at his Georgetown home with his loving wife by his side. He died just short of his 94th birthday. His passing marks yet another loss of a member of the greatest generation. Al was a Pearl Harbor survivor, having shot down an enemy airplane during the attack. He served as a highly decorated U.S. Army Air Forces pilot in the European Theater of Operations, and flew 46 combat missions in ground attack aircraft. Like so many others, he left the military and came home to help build the world's greatest economy, and a very successful business in Houston, Texas.
Al was born to Major Julius and Katherine Dula in Galveston on March 7, 1920. As a military 'brat', he was educated in a wide variety of locations, and attended Houston University. As the CEO of a Houston petroleum pipe company, he traveled and pursued business interests all over the world. He married Ella Stocker and the couple made their home in several Texas locales, including Houston, Brenham, Austin, San Antonio, Waco and Georgetown.
He is survived by his wife, Ella Dula; son, Alfred A. Dula; daughter, Victoria H. Dula Costello and her husband, Dennis, and their children, Andrew and Courtney; son, Matthew, and his son, Byron. Mr. Dula is also survived by his brother, Norman L. Dula and his wife Jean; and his son-in-law, Bill Sanders.
Al Dula lived a life that mattered. He lived life as the former military pilot he was - full throttle. He moved in the fast lane; seized every moment, and shook life like a terrier shaking a rat.
He was interred during private services at the Texas State Cemetery attended only by family on February 25th.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com .
Published in Austin American-Statesman from Feb. 26 to Feb. 27, 2014
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