Longtime Strasburg resident Alvin M. Himes, 88, died Feb. 27, 2010, at Hennis Care Centre, Dover.
Born April 23, 1921, in Strasburg, Alvin was the son of the late Arlington and Edith Himes. He was self-employed most of his working life, both with Himes Trailer Sales and the former Himes Texaco Station, Strasburg. He retired as a school bus driver for Strasburg Schools. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, and was recently honored by the Chas. Hofer post of the Strasburg American Legion for 50 years of membership.
Alvin took pleasure in being outdoors and getting wrapped up in any number of activities from fishing and hunting to tending to his gardens. He was especially fond of camping and the annual family campouts while his children were growing up. In recent years, he enjoyed camping with his family and friends at Crazy 8 Campground, Kimbolton.
Alvin was big and loud, as affectionately described by his children, but with the heart of a teddy bear. Because of his stature, he often enjoyed the feeling of being the man in charge. This was especially fun for him during his familys famous holiday gatherings, which often included 40 or more people and friends as well as family. He was a member of Strasburgs First Lutheran Church.
Surviving are children, David (Judy) Himes, Carol (Joe) Schott, and Jane (Louis) McGrath, all of Strasburg; seven grandchildren, Michelle McRae, Cathleen Samson, Michael Himes, Marc McGrath, Christine Dreher, Cynthia Schott, and Janelle Allensworth; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Blanche Boughman of Dover; and sisters-in-law, Dolores Himes, Dorothy McCulley, and Mildred Smith.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel P. Himes; and siblings, Russell, Carl, Merle, and Otis Himes, Verda Climes, and Erma Eash.
Holy Communion celebrating Alvins life will be held March 4, 2010, at 11 a.m., at First Lutheran Church, Strasburg, with Pastor Steven Woyen officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Union Cemetery, Strasburg, where Alvins comrades from the American Legion will provide military honors. Following the committal, there will be a meal in the church. Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 803 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, on March 3, from 5-8 p.m., and one hour prior to services.
To sign his online register and share a fond memory of Alvin, visit www.tolandherzig.com.
Family suggests contributions in his memory be made to First Lutheran Church, 211 Eighth St. SW, Strasburg 44680.
