Adan Alvarez, Jr., went to the Lord on October 14, 2009 surrounded by his family. Junior, as he was called by all who knew him, was born in Kingsville, Texas on March 6, 1926.

His favorite past time was his love of music. As a professional drummer by the age of 19, he began traveling with different bands such as the Luis Alcaraz Orchestra, the Red Stewart Band, the Ralph Galvan Band, The Hal McIntyre Band, Les Elgerd Band, and the Skitch Henderson Band. He played in cities all along the east coast and in cities like Chicago, Memphis and New York. However, he preferred playing with local and area bands such as the Eddie Olivarez Band and Frank Strub Band. He was one of the founding members of the Texas Jazz Festival and participated in all but two festivals often playing with several groups and bands. Everyone wanted Junior as their drummer.

Along with his parents and sisters, Aurora and America, they owned and operated The Little Flower Shop for over 50 years. Another interest of his was officiating high school football games. His love of airplanes led him to receive a pilot’s license which he was very proud of. He especially loved WWI airplanes and collected many models. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Council 2623.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Adan Alvarez, Sr. and Antonia Saenz Alvarez.

Junior is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Blanca C. Alvarez of Kingsville; three daughters, Thelma (Jose Homero) Alvarez Cavazos of Corpus Christi, Texas, Elaine (Robert Xavier) Alvarez Perez and Sandra (Mario, Jr.) Alvarez Delgado, all of San Antonio, Texas; two sisters, Aurora (R.S. “Cookie”) Alvarez Garza of Kingsville and America (James C.) Alvarez Wilson of Reno, Nevada; three grandchildren, Michelle Dawn (Arturo) Infante of Corpus Christi, Marissa Raquel Perez and Ana-Alicia Perez, both of San Antonio; two greatgrandchildren, Adan Arturo Infante and Carolina Trinidad Infante, both of Corpus Christi; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation took place on Friday, October 16, 2009 after 10:00 a.m. at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel.

Rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2009 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Puthenangady as celebrant. Burial followed in Kingsville at Chamberlain Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were James C. Wilson and Valdemar Delgado. Active pallbearers were George Alvarez, Mario A. Delgado, Mario Delgado Jr., Arturo Infante, Robert X. Perez and Karl Wilson.

Services were entrusted to Turcotte- Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.