Arvel E. “Al” Colen III, 66, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Manteca. He was born on December 13, 1942 in French Camp. He was a resident of Manteca for 32 years.

Al is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary Colen of Manteca; children, Shane (Jaime) Harden, Michael Harden, Mark Hobbs all of Manteca, Sean Colen of Arizona and Mitch (Rachael) Hobbs of San Francisco; siblings, Nancy Wilson, Michael Colen, Don Colen all of Stockton and Patty Council of Copperopolis; grandchildren, Brianna Harden, Alex Harden, Taylor Harden. He was preceded in death by his sister, the late Judy Montgomery.

Al retired in 1998 as a firefighter for Stockton Fire Department. Prior he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of Cornerstone Community Church of Manteca. He was an avid model train builder. The family said “He loved his family very much and he was the best Papa.”

An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com. Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. Visitation will be Monday, July 27, from noon to 1 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road. Graveside service Monday, July 27, at 3 p.m. at Park View Cemetery, 3661 E. French Camp Road, Manteca. Final resting place at Park View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Stockton Fire Fighters Relief Association, P.O. Box 692201, Stockton, CA 95239-2201.