Alfred Franklin Cartmill, Jr. died peacefully at his home on July 13, 2016 in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 86.

Alfred is survived by his wife, Rose (Beecham) Cartmill; daughters, Marsu (John) McAdoo III, Lansing; and Sharyl Cartmill, Des Moines, Iowa; grandson, John L. McAdoo IV; siblings, Rev. Albert (Dorothea) Cartmill, Quincy, Illinois; Marilyn (Denny) Wilkerson, Burlington, Iowa; Terry (Carina) Cartmill, Burlington; and Rev. Gary (Janet) Cartmill, Fort Madison, Iowa; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred F. Cartmill, Sr. and Espnola Cartmill; paternal grandparents, Bert and Katherine (Davis Cartmill) Payne; maternal grandparents Rev. McKinley Terry and Mattie Terry; and sister, Catherine Scott.

After high school graduation, Alfred was picked up by the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs, where he played as second baseman. He was then called to service in the United State Air Force, where he was stationed at the Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi from 1950 to 1954. While in the service he played for the Air Force baseball team. He married his lifetime love, Rose Beecham, on March 7, 1953. After his military service Alfred returned to the Kansas City Monarchs before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

But if you were to ask him what he was proudest of, Alfred undoubtedly would have said his faith in God and his love for his family. Alfred's faith was an integral part of his life, each day beginning and ending in prayer. In an age where the focus is on self, Alfred's choice to leave a promising career in baseball to raise a family may seem odd to many, but Alfred's vision was more insightful, and his heart more expansive. Alfred took a job with the U. S. Postal Service, later transferring to the post office in Davenport, Iowa as a postal clerk to support his family and his dream for his daughters to obtain a college education. In his 33 years at the post office, as well as his position as a trustee and Sunday school teacher for Progressive Baptist Church, Alfred brought the same dedication as he did in his short time on the field. Everyone who met Alfred knew him as a gentleman—kind, unassuming, and with a mischievous sense of humor. Children loved to listen to Alfred regale them with tales from his experiences when he was traveling with the Monarchs.

In one of the many stories he told about being on the team, Alfred would recount how Satchel Paige had dubbed him "Angel". When asked why, Alfred could not remember. Maybe, just maybe, it had something to do with Alfred's unfailing commitment to watching over those he cared for, up until the last moment of his life.

Rest easy, Angel. To those who knew you, your life was a home run.
The family would be proud for you to join them in celebrating the life of Alfred Franklin Cartmill, Jr.

The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the funeral home, one hour prior to the funeral service. Rev. Albert Cartmill will officiate the ceremony. Burial with full military rites will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter. Condolences can be made at www.barrmemorialchapel.com. The family would like to extend special thanks to Mohammed and Twyla at Courtyard Estates, Pleasant Hill, Iowa; and the many folks at Brookdale Assisted Living and Memory Care, Lansing, Michigan for their unfailing care and dedication.