The funeral service for the last surviving Buffalo Soldier of the 9th Horse Cavalry was held Monday morning at the Junction City Church of the Nazarene. Albert Curley, 96, died September 22nd at Brookdale Senior Living in Junction City.

Curley was remembered for his long service in the U.S. Army. He spent 28 years on active duty, and retired in 1969 with the rank of 1st Sergeant.  During his time in the service he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and World War II Service Medal.

Interviews he gave during his lifetime included one given online in 2012 where he described the Buffalo Soldiers, and noted their name was given to them by the Cheyenne warriors.

After his retirement Curley and four other former Buffalo Soldier troopers in Junction City worked to raise money for the life-size Buffalo Soldier Monument which was built as a tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers. It is located in a park on 18th Street.

Albert Curley is survived by two children, eight grandchildren and multiple great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.