David Alvarez

Born in Los Angeles and having lived most of his life in El Paso, David Alvarez and his beloved wife Emmy (née Knotts – also of El Paso) retired to their dream home in Salado, TX in 1998.

David was a standout football player at Austin High School where he was nicknamed “The Asp” for his agility and speed on the gridiron.  David served in the Army ROTC at Texas Western (now University of Texas, El Paso) while pursuing his B.S. in Electrical Engineering.  After graduating he went on to serve 2 years in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant and he also earned an M.S. degree in Engineering.  David was a wiz at math and enjoyed anything that challenged his sharp intellect.

David was lucky enough to meet Emmy (the love of his life) on a blind date in 1956.  David and Emmy recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary and have four children: Emmy (David) Zumwalt (Maitland, FL), Joanie (Joe) Walsh (St. Louis), John (Carrie) Alvarez (Dallas), and Jen (Rob) Dickinson (Austin).  “Pops,” as he was affectionately known by his 11 grandchildren (Maggie and Emerson Zumwalt; Joseph and Grace Walsh; Finn and Victor Alvarez, and Will and Griffin Clark; and Everett, Will, and Eva Dickinson), was happiest when spending time with his family and doting on them with his love for cooking.  Pops was a masterful cook who always had pots of sopita and rice pudding on the stove and he enjoyed recreating dishes he’d had while traveling during his 33 years with the Department of Defense at the White Sands Missile Range at White Sands, NM.

David was a beloved member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Salado and he cherished his roles as Acolyte, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, and Finance Committee Member.  David was instrumental recently in helping his parish raise sufficient funds to build their new church.  David was a hard worker, an avid reader and life-long learner and he was incredibly kind and generous to all.  Love of family fueled David.

David died peacefully, embraced by his loving family, assured of his
place in heaven.

David is survived by his wife Emmy, sister Joan Alvarez of El Paso, and
his children and grandchildren.

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