Arthur Lee Alston Jr.

Arthur Lee Alston, Jr was born on April 29, 1971, in Omaha Nebraska to parents, Arthur Lee Alston, Sr and Mary Turner. He was the oldest of four children, which included two brothers, Ryan and Aaron and one sister, Toya.

Growing up, he had an independent nature and a little bit of a stubborn streak where many times Mama would have to go looking for him in the neighborhood. He loved to go exploring, climb trees, and go to the Boys Club where he learned to swim. He played baseball and became a fantastic skateboarder. He loved to laugh and crack jokes and had a small group of friends from boyhood to this day. Once he became your friend, he was a friend for life. 

After graduating from high school, Arthur joined the United States Army in 1991. He served his country faithfully and was honorably discharged in 1994 with the rank of Army E4 Specialist, He had some very harrowing and exciting experiences and one of the most dangerous that he used to talk about was being part of thousands of fellow soldiers and US Marines serving in Somalia in 1992-1993. He stated that the movie, Black Hawk Down, portrayed much of what he and other military members saw and experienced in Somalia. Arthur returned to Omaha after he got out of the Army and enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha seeking a degree in International Studies. While enrolled at UNO, he developed a passion for the Japanese culture and language. As a foreign exchange student, he spent time at Shizuoka University in Japan. While there as a student, he also worked a part time job helping a psychology professor translate things into English and correct her grammar before she submitted papers. Later, Arthur returned to UNO to finish his education and in 1999 received his BA degree majoring in International Studies. He went back to Japan and taught elementary and junior high school students English. When he wasn't teaching, he spent his off time savoring the culture and beauty of Japan. One of the things he enjoyed most was riding on the high speed Bullet train and enjoying the beautiful scenery. 

After spending some wonderful years living and teaching in Japan, Arthur returned to Omaha. 

He worked a few different jobs and traveled to interesting towns and cities before he picked Yuma, Arizona as his new home. Due to military connected disabilities, the climate in Yuma seemed exactly right to help him heal. Not only that, but he also loved the desert and the mountains and the night sky full of stars. He loved traveling with friends to quaint out of the way places or driving across the border to Mexico which wasn't far. 

Although, he didn't have a church home, he loved God and believed in the power of prayer. 

During tough times of his illness, praying and talking to God gave him inspiration and hope and at times eased the pain. 

His family left to cherish his memory are his father and stepmother, Arthur and Karen Alston, mother, Mary Turner, brothers, Ryan (Michelle) Alston, Aaron (Nikia) Alston, sister, Toya (Ronald) Borel, stepsister, Kim Monique (Sam) Ross, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

Uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation: Monday, May 18th, 2026, at 10:00am-11:00am

Funeral: Monday, May 18th, 2026, at 11:00am-12:00pm

Location: Good Shepherd Funeral and Cremation Services3908 N 90th St Omaha, NE 68124

Graveside Service: Monday, May 18th, 20261:30 - 2:00pm

Location: Graceland Park Cemetery4720 S 42nd St. Omaha, NE 68107