Obituary of John B. Alvey

John B. Alvey, 72, of Coffeyville passed away Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Windsor Place in Coffeyville; ending his battle against cancer and beginning his reunion with his Lord, our God.

He was born on February 19, 1945 in Coffeyville to Herb and Clarys June (Hepner) Alvey.  He attended school in West Coffeyville and Coffeyville.  After graduation from Field Kindley High School, he attended one year at (CCC) Coffeyville Junior College.  He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Misawa, Japan and then in Pakistan.  After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Coffeyville and began a career with the Katy Railroad in Muskogee, OK.  Katy and Union Pacific merged and John moved to Kansas City.  Later he transferred to Bellevue, NE where he continued in crew management until his retirement after 37 years with UP, seldom missing work.

On January 3, 2004 John married Wendy Williams Whicker at Throncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, AR.  They lived in Bellevue, NE until returning to Coffeyville in 2008.

John was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, serving as Junior Warden two terms.  He worked in the Thrift Shop and was in charge of computer operation of the new organ providing music for church services, weddings and funerals.  He served as co-curator of the Dalton Defenders Museum with his Wife, Wendy and was on the Celebrate Nostalgic Coffeyville committee.  He was a board member for Geneses and on the Coffeyville Historical Society Board.  As his duty with CHS, he was instrumental in the renovation of the Maid’s cottage at the Brown Mansion.  The Alveys were members of Friends of the Mansion for many years. 

He was also a member of Keystone Masonic Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M., Shrine, and the Order of the Eastern Star both in Bellevue, NE in Alpha Chapter and in Coffeyville Chapter #112 (now Eva Chapter #18 in Independence) where he was a Past Patron in each Chapter.  He enjoyed with gusto being the vineyard inspector for Osage Springs Vineyard in Coffeyville.  He seldom missed 1500 Club or chances to show or especially to drive one of his antique cars.  Years of affiliation with OK Car Club gave him many opportunities to enjoy sharing his joy of cars with others.

Survivors include Wendy of the home, one sister and two nephews, Mitch Bauer, Coffeyville and Jacob Alvey of Topeka, aunts, Mary “Pinky: Atkinson, and Jody Bainter; uncle, Bob Hepner, cousin, Dick Tesh and wife Bonnie, and numerous other family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Sam and Casey Alvey.

Services will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2017 with Fr. George Wiley officiating and Charles Durland as worship leader.  Fraternal services will be conducted by Keystone Masonic Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M., and the Order of the Eastern Star by Eva Chapter #18.  Inurnment will be in The Chapel of Resurrection Columbarium at the church.  The family suggests memorials to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Shrine Children’s Transportation Fund, or American Cancer Society.  Contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed C/O David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337