Alvin P. McVea

At the grand old age of 95, Alvin Palmus McVea was called home by The Heavenly Father on the evening of Wednesday July 1, 2015. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family, friends and caregivers who all joined in prayer with him during his last moments. Alvin was born in Waelder, TX to Dewey D. McVea and Ruth Ella Hodge McVea. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey Jean Henry McVea and son-in-law Marvin Taylor. Alvin never wavered in his Christian faith as both he and his mother were life-long members of Emmanuel AME Church in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, his wife Audrey was the well-known organist for Holy Redeemer Catholic Church most of her adult life. They all passionately studied the Bible and would pleasantly spread the Word at every opportunity. In December 1929, Alvin and his parents moved to San Antonio. He was an honor student who loved geography, history and math. Although he was highly regarded as being well-read and studious, he was also known for his exceptional bicycle riding ability. He even rode the 75 miles from San Antonio to Waelder on several occasions just to visit his grandmother. As a young man during the Great Depression he worked for several local business's including his favorite, Standard Electric. However, the highlight of his early career was as a model for Pompeo Coppini's Alamo Cenotaph. He also modeled for one of the local men's stores and enjoyed jazz/swing concerts especially Chic Webb. At the onset of WWII he was recruited as an electrical maintenance technician for the Kaiser Ship Yards in Vancouver, WA. Like his father who served in WWI, he went on to serve his country in WWII as a machinist and combat engineer. Alvin was mechanically adept, so at the suggestion of his nephew, Winn Miles, he used his GI Bill to enroll in Southwestern Vocational Technical School in San Antonio. He graduated with highest honors and went on to gain SAE Technical Certification. His expertise led to jobs with Gene Spires Buick and a long career with the City Of San Antonio retiring in 1987. Moreover, he was the first COSA employee to earn Emissions Certification during his tenure at the North Loop Service Center. He is survived by his children Alvin B. McVea (Shirley), Deborah McVea Chandler, Daniece McVea Campbell, Garry McVea, Ronald McVea (Jannifer), Pamela McVea Lott, Wyatt McVea (Allisa), Rachel McVea Taylor, Anthony McVea, Thomas McVea and Lisa McVea Ross (Ray); stepsiblings Dewey D. McVea, Jr, Bonnie Faye McVea, and Archie R. McVea, Sr; numerous grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren, beloved family, and devoted friends. Viewing: Wednesday July 8, 2015 5:00 8:00 PM Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Crematory 5611 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78220 210.661.3991 Services: Thursday July 9, 2015 11:00 AM Emmanuel AME Church, 1600 Semlinger Rd. San Antonio, TX 78220. Interment: 2:00 PM Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.