Dewey County Obituary
Mound Cemetery

Elmer P. Alvis, Jr

June 13, 1932 - August 29, 2014

© SHAW FUNERAL HOME
VICI, DEWEY CO, OK
(permission granted)
Submitted by: Ann Weber

Elmer P. Alvis, Jr. left this world while working on his family farm in Putnam, OK, on August 29, 2014. He was born at home near Thomas, OK, on June 13, 1932 to Ruth and Elmer Alvis, and attended Putnam schools and graduated in 1950. The next year he started school in Weatherford at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In 1953 he married Pauline Laird, and the young couple moved to Norman, OK where he graduated in 1955 from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

After graduation, Junior worked on many exciting projects that are an important part of United States history. In 1957, he designed the ground support equipment on the Titan I, an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). As America looked toward Russia with the fear of a nuclear threat, Junior worked to improve the readiness of the Titan I missile, to protect us, as needed. He also worked on the Titan II rocket that was used on the Gemini program. One of his jobs was to design the cooling system on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral. Later, he designed the heat resistant nose cone that was used on the space shuttles of yesterday and today. His work also contributed to the designs of the cooling systems of several space vehicles, the space suit, and the backpack for the Apollo missions. His work on this program earned him the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Apollo Achievement Award.

In 1970, Junior became the Manager of Quality at Carrier Air Conditioning where he oversaw improvements in cooling systems, including the units and terminals in the Sears building, and the World Trade Center. In 1984, Junior went to work for LTV and worked on the B-2 stealth bomber; the most technically advanced aircraft in the world today. His name appears on a plaque at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Virginia.

Junior has also been a good citizen. He has spoken to the Senate and House of Representatives committees in Washington, D.C. He was also a member of the Republican Presidential Task Force and has received personal letters and phone calls from Presidents Ford, Reagan, and Bush for his support. He also had several leadership roles in the Methodist church, and has been an avid supporter of education and encouraging young people in their love of science and learning. Upon retirement, he returned to his home in Putnam, OK to spend his days farming and enjoying the beauty of Western Oklahoma. Junior Alvis came full circle, returning to the tractor and fields from his childhood, with eyes lifted toward the sky.

Elmer Alvis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pauline Alvis. He also leaves behind his brother Robert Alvis (Dorothy) of Albuquerque, NM, and his sister, Carol Reimer, of Springfield, MO. He was preceded in death by his sister Nellie Jackson. His children are Pamela (Pete) Hill, Cynthia (Ralph) Edwards, Debra (David) Gilbert, and Ruth Ellen (Rick) Pierson. He will be missed by 9 grandchildren, and 6 great- grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to: Thomas P. Stafford Air and Space Museum 3000 E. Logan Rd Weatherford, OK 73096.

Tuesday September 2nd
Elmer "Jr" Alvis -- 2:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be at the Putnam Christian Church with interment following at Mound Cemetery in Taloga, OK.
Visitation :
Monday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday at the church
Memorials may be made to
Thomas P. Stafford Air and Space Museum
3000 E. Logan Rd
Weatherford, OK 73096