Alva Bryan Stem, Sr.

Alva Bryan Stem, Sr. November 24, 1925 - October 14, 2011 Alva Bryan Stem of Waco passed away Friday, October 14, 2011. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 17, at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Coston officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, October 16, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Alva was born November 24, 1925 in Waco, Texas to Wiley and Ada Rowe Stem. He worked for the City of Waco for 40 years as Director of Parks and Recreation and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Alva was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, joining the newly formed congregation when he was only three years old. He served for 40 years in the Texas National Guard, retiring as a Major. He was a graduate of Waco High School and Baylor University. Alva loved the great outdoors and spent many hours with family and friends hunting, fishing, and camping. After retiring, he and his wife enjoyed travelling many places around the world. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wiley Stem, Jr. and sister Geraldine Webb. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Helen Crook Stem of Waco; his son, Alva and wife, Sherry, and their children Sheena and Rex; and daughter, Susie Houston and husband, Herb, and their children, Taylor, Trey, and Tyler; two great grandchildren, Kennedy and Kellen; and one brother, Jack Stem and wife, Jo; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are his grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Waco Meals on Wheels. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.