Alton S. Kneeshaw, 62, died Aug. 16, 2016, in Tampa.
He was born in the Panama Canal Zone and spent his youth in Bradenton before moving to Plant City.
He graduated from Manatee High School in 1972.
He achieved the Eagle Scout ranking while in the Boy Scouts. He spent countless hours camping with his brother and parents in his formative years. He had a passion for hunting. He enjoyed cooking oysters, eating them over memorable nights in the winter hovering over a fire with family and friends.
In the early 1970s, he entered the Florida National Guard, first serving as an enlisted man. He attended Florida National Guard OCS in Camp Blanding, receiving a commission as a second lieutenant.
He rose through the ranks to major. He became a full-time National Guard technician and later converted to Active Guard Reserve status. He served in the 1/116 FA Sarasota and later commanded HHB 2/116 FA in Plant City on two occasions, later becoming the S3 for the battalion. He earned many military awards, including the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara for Artillery Officers. His passion for the Field Artillery never diminished.
He is survived by his parents, Sally and Stanley Kneeshaw, of Blairsville, Georgia; daughter, Sarah Ann Ariyanfar, of Austin, Texas; former wife, Carol; and partner of many years, Greta.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Greg.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. His ashes will be spread on the artillery ranges at the Avon Park Bombing Range, Avon Park.