Alan Lee Custer, 89, lifelong resident of Newport News, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026.
Alan was originally from and grew up in Marmet, West Virginia where he attended DuPont High School and graduated in 1954. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as a radio man from 1955 until 1959 stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. After his military service, Alan stayed in the Hampton Roads area and ultimately settled in Newport News where he met his wife, Sylvia Roper and started his family and career.
Alan had many interests and passions over his life and was always curious and ready for the next challenge and adventure. Professionally, Alan had a successful career in the real estate and the commercial insurance industry working with Abbitt Insurance Agency for over 30 years. He was always eager to help new and existing clients and was recognized as a top performer by the Royal and Kemper Insurance companies for being an expert on insurance coverage and regulations.
Alan was a true sportsman and athlete. He played football in high school. He also played racquetball competing in local, state, and national tournaments. He was an avid golfer and member of Kiln Creek Golf Club, The Pointe and Carolina Club Golf Clubs and enjoyed playing many golf courses with friends from Virginia to Florida. Alan loved being on the water and boating and was a member of the Warwick Yacht Club spending many summers sailing and fishing on the James and York Rivers with family and friends. Alan had a passion for horses and owned several over the years which became a great bonding experience with his children, Tim and Stephanie. They participated in horse shows and trail rides throughout Virginia. He was a gifted floral arranger and plant enthusiast and was famous for designing arrangements for holiday gatherings, family weddings, and special events. He and Sylvia spent hours landscaping their homes with unique plants, trees, and flowers and relished watching things grow.
Alan is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia Roper Custer; his parents, Lee Byron Custer and Vernelle Emma Jacobs; his stepfather, William Fortner and sister, Rebecca Ann Dodd.
He is survived by his son, Tim Custer and daughter in law, Hallie Ivins Custer of Kill Devil Hills, NC and his daughter, Stephanie Custer of Newport News; three grandchildren, Samuel Custer Beavin, Jacob Michael Beavin, and Caitlyn Margaret Custer; niece, Susan Dodd Secrist; nephew, Roger Dodd and many extended family members.
There will be no formal services at this time.
