YORKTOWN – Alvin Sturm of Yorktown entered eternal life on July 11, 2025, at the age of 74. Born July 31, 1950, in DeWitt County to Herman and Eleanora (Warzecha) Sturm, Alvin was the seventh of eleven children. He was raised on the family farm and attended Holy Cross Catholic Church and Holy Cross Catholic School, graduating from Yorktown High School with the Class of 1968.
After graduation, Alvin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland AFB before advancing into radar repair and maintenance. His assignments took him to Torrejon, Spain, and later to Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota. Following eight years of dedicated service, Staff Sergeant Alvin Sturm was honorably discharged and returned home to pursue his education. He attended the University of Texas in Austin and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, later working in manufacturing facilities along the Houston Ship Channel.
Alvin met Rachel Syma at his parents’ 45th wedding anniversary celebration. The couple married and settled in Pasadena, Texas, where they raised their family. He served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. Pius V Catholic Church. Upon retirement and returning to Yorktown, Alvin continued his faithful service at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Retirement allowed Alvin to embrace his love of gardening and agriculture—he cultivated an orchard of fruit trees, maintained a one-acre vegetable garden, raised chickens, practiced beekeeping, and lent a hand in various farm projects alongside his brothers. One of his proudest accomplishments was designing and building the couple’s retirement home, with help from family and friends.
Known for his thoughtful nature, Alvin often joked that his reputation as a great conversationalist came from simply being present and truly listening. He lived by the belief that “more is caught than taught,” setting a quiet and lasting example of kindness, dedication, and generosity. Family was the cornerstone of his life—he made those around him feel deeply loved and valued.
After a major auto accident in 2019, Alvin endured considerable health challenges, yet his spirit remained unwavering. Through that difficult period, a devoted group of nieces, nephews, siblings, and friends stepped in to support Alvin and Rachel, offering encouragement and hands-on help to see their plans through.
One of Alvin’s proudest accomplishments was designing and building their retirement home—a dream he brought to life with thoughtful planning and just the right amount of help from his family.
Alvin is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rachel Syma Sturm; daughter Mariel Sturm (Ernesto E. Cedeno); son Joseph W. Sturm; and 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, and siblings Albert (Lorene) Sturm; Raymond (Agnes) Sturm; Robert Sturm; and Herman (Pauline) Sturm.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 5–7 PM at Massey Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary at 7 PM.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be AJ Sturm, Randy Sturm, Kevin Sturm, Rick Sturm, Byron Sturm, Spencer Foley, Dwayne Sturm, and Russell Syma.
Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Fund, or a charitable organization of the donor’s choice.
