Robert Lee "Bob" Alford was born February 26, 1934 in Castle, Oklahoma, but moved to Wichita in his late teens. Bob has an unassuming, and quiet manner, that may make him one of Wichita's best kept secrets. He was owner of Alford Electric for over 30 years. He was the only African American in the United States to operate a show room for at least 20 years. He furnished lighting for many nationally known commercial businesses worldwide. Some Of the countries include Germany, Japan and the American Embassy in Italy, as well as a church in Haiti. He also furnished lighting for many homes throughout Wichita and the united States, including the home Of Andrew Young in Atlanta, GA. After retirement Bob, along with his partner Norman Massey, built the MassFord Plaza Shopping Center on 21st and Grove. Community Service include: Board of Directors of the Wichita Airport Authority, where he served as President two separate times; The Kansas African American Museum Board of Directors, and served as president. He was also instrumental in getting the museum declared as a National Historical Landmark/ He was also a member of the Hotel/Motel Association of Kansas. One of his accomplishments while serving on that board was to get the Wichita Convention and Tourism Bureau established as a separate entity instead of being under the umbrella of the Chamber of Commerce. Bob was also one og the original businesses in Old Town. He served on the Kansas Office of Minority Business Enterprise (Kan-Ombe) and serves as president. In addition, Bob also serves on the Vestry of St. James Episcopal Chruch and IRB Board of Reardon Clinic where he has volunteered over 2000 hours. Bob was a philantriopantist, mentor and role model for many young people in Wichita.
He is survived by Son- Andre' Julien Alford, Daughter- Tanya Braggs, Brothers- Warren(Fred) & Curtis Alford, 2 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren
Robert Lee Alford is the son of the late James Willie Alford and Lydia Thibodeaux Alford and the grandson of Lafayette G. “Fate” Alford.