Albert "Al" Linden, Jr. of Gainesville, FL passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at E.T. York Haven Hospice after a brief illness.

Al was born on January 13, 1938, in Pawpaw, IL to Albert & Edith Linden. He was raised on a dairy farm and has always been known as a hard worker at whatever task he starts.

After graduating from high school in Waterman, IL, he attended and graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Technology. While there he was active in ROTC, which allowed him to enter the Army as a 2nd LT.

He immediately completed basic training, "jump school", ranger training and flight school. Al served as an Army Artillery Officer in Germany and then as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam where he was wounded. While there he flew over 300 combat missions and was awarded many medals including the purple heart. He retired in 1969 with the rank of Major.

After leaving the Army, he earned an MBA from American University and went to work for the Federal Government in the Energy Information Administration where he served as EIA Deputy Administrator. He retired from government service in 1985 after he found his true "calling".

During that time Al had been active in the Disabled American Veterans holding many offices until becoming their National Commander in 1985. After moving to Gainesville, FL, he became the Executive Director of the State of Florida DAV, a position he held for 30 years.

In 2017 he was elected to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

Al is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia; his son, Joseph (Linda); brother, David (Lynette, (dec); granddaughters Stephanie Price (Korey), Heather Lamb (Clifford), Lauren Seitz (Devyn); great-grandson, Nicolas Lamb; niece, Debbie Reyes (Hector); nephews, Steve (Sarah) and Jeff (Molly); and their children.

He also welcomed a new family after Joe married Linda. Her family became our family – her mother, Virginia Nobles (Bud (dec); daughters, Christy Norrell (Jason) and Olivia Campbell (Tyler); son, Drew Downs (Jessica) and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jimmy and brother, Paul (Joanne, (dec).

Funeral Services will be held at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell on Monday, March 2, 2026.