Alva B. Stem Jr.

1955 - 2021

Alva B. Stem Jr.

Aug. 9, 1955 - Aug. 3, 2021

Alva Bryan Stem Jr., 65, devoted Christian, Husband, Father and Pappy died tragically on August 3, 2021.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 11, at Lake Shore Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Page and Pastor Greg Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Moore Cemetery in Chalk Bluff. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 10, at the funeral home.

Alva was born in Waco, Texas, on August 9, 1955, to Alva and Helen Stem. He graduated from Richfield High School in 1973 and then went on to pursue a Bachelor degree in Business from Tarleton State University. On July 12, 1980, he married the love of his life, Sherry Butler, a second-generation builder, whom he also met at Tarleton State. They later welcomed two beautiful children, Sheena and Rex, who were the most important part of his life.

Alva retired with 26 years from the City of Waco as a Supervisor of the Engineering Department and retired after 14 years from TxDOT as District Land Surveyor. He was a Registered Surveyor and owned Stem Surveying. He was a Partner with Stem Properties which he operated until his untimely death on the job. Alva was also a Registered Real Estate Broker. He was a proud member of the Texas Game Warden Association for 10 years and former President of the Chalk Bluff Volunteer Fire Department.

Alva was the ultimate Handy-Man and Jack-of-all-trades. There's nothing he couldn't fix. He was a problem solver and a deep thinker-often times taking on extra tasks from his family and neighbors. He enjoyed seeing the world with Sherry. His favorite place was Rome, Italy. Alva loved golf cart rides with Sherry to watch the sunset, spending time at their lake house, boating, visiting with neighbors, and having campfires. He loved spending time with Sheena and playing with his grandson, Braxton. He loved being with Rex at every concrete pour and all of Rex's construction projects. Alva and Sherry attended Antioch Community Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alva Stem Sr., and father-in-law, Rex Butler.

Alva is survived by his mother, Helen Stem; wife, Sherry Stem; daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Sheena, Blake and Braxton Olenick; son and girlfriend, Rex Stem and Lauren Payne; mother-in-law, Barbara Butler; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Woody and Pam Butler; aunt, Susie Moon; niece and nephew, LuAnne Butler and Roger Frields; sister and brother-in-law, Susie and Herb Houston; his beloved dog, Tink; cat, Craven and several other nieces and nephews. Alva will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse in memory of Alva Stem Jr.

Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.LakeShoreFH.com.