Alton F. “Al” Vicars, Jr
Alton F. “Al” Vicars, Jr., aged 88, of Paris, KY, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026. Born to the late Alton F. Vicars, Sr. and Beatrice Parrott Vicars in Pineville, KY, on February 21, 1937, Al was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.
Al distinguished himself early on as a graduate of Hall High School in Harlan, KY, and later attended Eastern Kentucky University. His life was a testament to his work ethic and commitment to community, qualities that shone through during his tenure as a manager for Mid South Mack Trucking Company. Alton married the love of his life, Mary Sue Middleton Vicars, in 1958. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage, raising their family in Middlesboro, KY.
He was an active member of the Paris First Methodist Church, consistently demonstrating a devotion to his Christian faith. Al’s service to his community, through his role as a former director of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, showcased his ability to bring joy and togetherness to those around him. Even after relocating to Paris, Al’s Eastern Kentucky ties remained strong throughout the years as he took great joy in making connections back to Harlan or Bell County with just about anyone he met. Most of all, Al valued family and never missed an opportunity to share about his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Al’s stalwart character was also evident in his service to his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, he served on the Bourbon County Board of Elections and was a member of the Freemason brotherhood.
Surviving Al are his wife, Mary Sue; children, Pamela (Bart) Horne and Susie Vicars Robinson; his sister, Linda Vicars Gribble; his brother, Douglas L. (Barbara) Vicars; grandchildren, Kimberly (Kent) Chandler, Jaime (Mitchell) Lisk, Brenden (Maggie) Stipes, Dillon Stipes, and Emma Robinson; great-grandchildren Bobby Stipes, Beckham Chandler, and Graham Lisk; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family members lovingly remember Al as the embodiment of kindness and faith, always extending a helping hand and a warm smile to everyone he met. His legacy of love and strength will live on not just through his cherished family, but also through all those fortunate enough to have known him.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated team of caregivers who provided comfort and compassionate care.
As we reflect on the gift that was Al’s life, we find solace in knowing that his journey was full, his faith was unwavering, and his heart was ever generous. His humor, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who were graced by his presence. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Paris First Methodist Church. A memorial service will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Paris First Methodist Church or the Covenant Methodist Church, Middlesboro, Ky.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.comand a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.
