December 19, 1928 – January 7, 2026
Alton John Cain, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2026, at his home in Sieper, La. at the age of 97 surrounded by his family. He is survived by three daughters, Diann Norris, Dena Parker (Larry) and Dee Ann Taylor (Joel), eight grandchildren, Katie Williams (Paul), Trent Parker (Mikaela), Jared Parker (Kira), Weston Parker (Reagan), Chase Taylor (Alexis), Ava, Anna Grace, and Emma Taylor, three great grandchildren, Emily, Anna, and Sadie Williams, and one brother, Burl Cain (Jonalyn). Alton is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Anita Hinson Cain, his parents, Alton, Sr. and Mary Etta Thornton Cain, two brothers, William (Billy) Cain and James David Cain, and two sisters, Ethelyn Cain Branch and Mary Laverne Cain Clark.
Alton was born in Port Arthur, Texas, but grew up in Pitkin, La. He graduated Valedictorian of his senior class at Pitkin in 1945 at the age of 16. He loved riding his horse, Blue, all over the countryside and once rode 30 miles in one day to attend a church 15 miles away. Some of his best friends were older folks in the community and he would saddle up and go to their homes to visit. Alton worked with an older gentleman breaking horses. He was paid five dollars a horse to twist the horse’s ear while the older man got on. He made such an impression with his horsemanship that he was offered a job as a ranch hand in Oklahoma. His mama said no and that was the end of that! He continued to work hard on his family farm and took care of his younger brothers, often taking them on the tractor as he plowed. The reward at the end of the day was going swimming in the “Old Ford.” His brothers always remembered the time he spent with them and admired his common sense and wisdom.
From a baby he attended Pitkin Baptist Church with his family, either riding in a wagon or riding his horse. He gave his heart to the Lord during a revival service at the age of 9 and was baptized in Six Mile Creek. It was at church that he first noticed Anita. She was 10 and he was 13. He watched her until she became 18, and when he saw her sitting on the swing with another boy, he knew it was time to “make his move.” He worked at the Elizabeth Paper Mill for forty cents an hour to save for an engagement ring. They married on September 4, 1950 and were inseparable for 72 years.
In 1948 and 1949, Alton served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He was proud that he worked on the largest aircraft made at that time. It was after his time in the Air Force that he declared countless times that when the Lord said, “Lo, I am with you always,” He meant everyone should stay low to the ground and he did, never flying again. He loved our country and proudly stood each Veteran’s Day. He believed voting was imperative for every American because choices were important. He often said, “I ain’t neutral on nothin’.” There was never any doubt about where he stood on all issues. He was a perpetual member of the Pitkin Masonic Lodge.
Alton worked at Continental Oil Company in Westlake and later at Boise Southern Paper Mill in DeRidder. He worked as a five-craft mechanic, was an expert welder, and had a reputation among his peers as a smart problem solver and a common sense leader. He designed and made bridle bits, spurs for his daughters, and built the pipe arena where they practiced for rodeos. He was always willing to help his friends and neighbors when they needed welding work done and could build or fix anything.
Alton devoted his time and resources to his family. He often came in from a hard day’s work and then immediately went to the basketball gym or to rodeo arenas near and far to help his girls perfect their skills. He instilled a strong work ethic, set high standards, and was immensely proud of their achievements. He was never too tired to travel many hours on the road to basketball games and rodeos throughout Louisiana and the United States. He never missed a piano recital and rarely a basketball game or a rodeo. There was always time for fun, too, as he faithfully took the family on a summer vacation across America each year.
Being a Grandpa was one of his greatest joys. He showed interest in everything that his grandchildren did, and he was a great encourager. He was an excellent teacher and taught them many old-fashioned life skills, how to use common sense, and the value of a good prank. He enjoyed sharing his love of guns and hunting, and trips to Angola were a highlight.
Alton John Cain will be remembered as a generous Christian man who liberally gave to others, whether it was his homemade jelly, watermelons, fudge, gold coins, time, or wise advice. He had an instinct for recognizing those in need and would quietly minister to them in his own unique way.
The family would like to thank Alton’s longtime friend and sidekick, Javier Lopez. They spent years farming, working in the okra patch, jelly making, eating hot tamales, laughing, and starting countless fires that they couldn’t put out.
The family would also like to thank Connie Ware, Kim Watson, Von Vallery, Dr. Blaine Broussard and staff, Malissa and Heather from Stat Home Health, and Toni and the Compassionate Care Team.
Memorial gifts can be given to Shriners Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Pitkin First Baptist Church VBS.
Funeral services for Alton will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Pitkin. The burial will follow in Blue Branch Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be James Cain, Marshall Cain, Jared Parker, Weston Parker, Chase Taylor, and Jeremy Lambright. The honorary pallbearers will be Javier Lopez, Jerry Inman, David James, and Tommy Reeves. A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Pitkin on Friday, January 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.