Alton Lee Irvin

Alton Lee Irvin, 89, departed this life on Monday, March 10, 2014 in Abilene, Texas. Born June 4, 1924 in Haskell County, Texas, Mr. Irvin was the son of Gaines C. Irvin and Lee Ella (Price) Irvin. Reared in Haskell County, Texas, Mr. Irvin graduated from Haskell High School in 1942. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, had glider training in Kentucky and North Carolina, and later served in the Pacific Theatre, including the Philippines and Okinawa, and Japan as a member of the army of occupation. Mr. Irvin married Eva Hitt on May 29, 1943. Mr. Irvin retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 33 years of service in Abilene, Texas. Mr. Irvin was predeceased by his parents and four siblings, brothers G.C. Irvin and Bill Irvin, and sisters Laverne Smith and Laura Hart. Mr. Irvin is survived by his wife of 70 years, Eva Hitt Irvin of Abilene; their three children, Dr. Larry Irvin (Kloyece) and Kenneth Irvin (Loyce) of Abilene, and Carla Irvin Casteel (Bill) of San Antonio; four granddaughters, Allison Irvin Richards (Dr. Joseph) of Fort Worth, TX, Kaci Irvin Mielke (David) of Highland Village, TX, Kerbi Irvin of Dallas, TX, and Taylor Bush of San Antonio; and two great-grandchildren, Case and Arden Richards of Fort Worth. Military graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 14, at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Road, with Dr. Joseph Richards officiating under the directed of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. A special thanks is extended to Dr. Joseph Ferguson and caregiver Judy Hancock of Choices Assisted Living for their care and kindnesses.