Joe J. Alvarez

Joe J. Alvarez, 80, of Lost Springs, died Sept. 23 at his home.

Born June 1, 1930, in Abilene, to Miguel and Jessie Marie (Lopez) Alvarez, he was a retired oilrig pumper and driver.

He served in Korea with the U.S. Army 5th Armored Division as a wire section chief. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Herington.

He married Connie Gonzales on Jan. 12, 1954, in Abilene. She survives.

Three sisters, Lupe Fuentes and Katherine and Saccora Alvarez; six brothers, Raymond, Saymon, Frank, Manuel, Antonio, and John; and his parents preceded him in death.

Other survivors include four sons, Joe Jr. of Hillsboro, Ron of El Dorado, Carmen of Chapman, and Tony of Gothenburg, N.C.; two daughters, Ruby Kilmer of Herington and Angela Seifert of Lost Springs; three sisters, Mary Louise Llamas of Abilene, Patricia Estrada of Newton, and Rosemary Ybarra of Galva; two brothers, Ralph of Chula Vista, Calif., and John of Abilene; 25 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A funeral was Monday at St. John’s Catholic Church in Herington with the Rev. Mark Wesely officiating.

Burial followed at Lost Springs Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Harry Hynes Hospice of Wichita in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 404 S Broadway St, Herington KS 67449-3038.