Alvin M. Sturm

Alvin Sturm, 74, of Yorktown, born July 31, 1950 in Dewitt County to Herman and Eleanora Warzecha Sturm entered eternal life July 11, 2025. Alvin was the seventh child of eleven children born to Eleanora and Herman. He lived and worked on their family farm, attended Holy Cross Catholic Church, graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School, then graduated from Yorktown High School class of 1968.

He enlisted in the Air Force. After basic training at Lackland AFB he trained in Radar repair and maintenance. He was stationed at Torrejon, Spain. His last assignment was at Ellsworth AFB Rapid City, SD. After 8 years S. Sgt Alvin Sturm was honorably discharged and returned home to attend the University of Texas school of engineering in Austin and achieved his goal of a BS degree in Chemical Engineering. His work was in manufacturing plants on the Houston Ship Channel.

Alvin met Rachel Syma at his parents 45th wedding anniversary celebration. They married and lived in Pasadena, Texas, where they raised their family. He served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. Pius V Catholic Church and after moving to Yorktown served faithfully at Holy Cross Catholic Church. He enjoyed retirement and spent much of his time gardening, building a small orchard of various fruit trees, caring for a 1-acre vegetable garden, raising chickens, beekeeping, and working alongside his brothers on various farm projects.

A major accomplishment was designing and constructing their retirement home (with a little help from his family). He was a great listener and he always joked that people often remarked he was a great conversationalist, but all he really did was listen. He believed more is caught than taught so he always did his best to set a good example. Family life defined Alvin as he always felt and treated others as loved, highly valued members of his family and community. After his car accident many beloved nieces, nephews, siblings, and friends stepped in to help Alvin and Rachel finish their home.

The last six years of his life was a great challenge after a major auto accident. April 21, 2019 when he suffered injuries including a traumatic brain injury. He worked hard at rehabilitation- the Spirit was willing but his body was weakened and disabled.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Rachel Syma Sturm, daughter Mariel (Ernesto E. Cedeno) Sturm, son Joseph W. Sturm, grandchildren Alvin, Avelina and Raquel Cedeno-Sturm. He is also survived by his siblings Sister Mary Ellen Sturm CSSF, Wilbert (Annie) Sturm, Janet Sturm, James Sturm, Linda King, Marvin (Gretchen) Sturm and sister-in-law Debbie Sturm.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Frank H. Sturm, siblings Albert (Lorene) Sturm, Raymond (Agnes) Sturm, Robert Sturm and Herman (Pauline) Sturm.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm with Rosary at 7 pm Friday, July 18, 2025 at Massey Funeral Home. Funeral Mass 10 am Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be AJ Sturm, Randy Sturm, Kevin Sturm, Rick Sturm, Byron Sturm, Spencer Foley, Dwayne Sturm and Russell Syma.

Memorials may be given to Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Fund or donor’s choice.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com

Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900.

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