Clarence Alvin Rowley

Clarence Alvin Rowley, known as Alvin, a native Austinite, was born at home – not a hospital – close in the shadow of the Capitol building on July 24, 1918. Alvin was the oldest child of Clarence Rowley (Sr) and Mildred Gordon Holt. Alvin had 2 brothers and a sister.

Early in life he became a swimmer. After their house burned down, his family lived in a camp tent on the grounds of Deep Eddy swimming pool for several years, where his Uncle George was manager. Alvin later taught his wife and daughter to swim.

He was a fix-it-myself person and tended to throw little away. He got interested in photography and slides were a passion. Had he ever used a digital camera, more than likely he would have had huge amounts of disk storage - he took LOTS of photos. He was proud of the trees he and his wife planted at their home, where they lived for over 60 years. He enjoyed changing the colors of his hydrangeas. Two photos he took of his flowers hung over his bed. Also music was important and he had a wonderful voice. He cared about family, although the Rowleys all argued with one another when together. Although not an interest of his, his family roots prove back to the Mayflower through the Rowley name.

Alvin's a World War II veteran. Even before the war, he took up his father's profession as a movie projectionist, working at the State, the Paramount, Americana (now a library) and Highland Mall theaters until he retired. He saw this business change from fire-dangerous equipment to digital movies left on their own to run. He also worked as a substitute mail carrier.

Although quite healthy - he loved to eat – he's had caregivers since his wife passed away. A core of ladies, providing increasing hours of support and companionship, are definitely a credit to "Mr. Rowley" still going strong at 96 and ½ years of age. Born at home, he died at home March 5, 2015.

Preceded in death by his wife, Virginia (Turner) Rowley, his two younger brothers Jimmy and Bo, Alvin is survived by his sister Evelyn Hicks of Cedar Park, his daughter Jo Ann and her husband George Minhoto of San Rafael CA, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6-8p.m. Wednesday March 11 and a memorial service Thursday 2p.m. March 12 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar. Interment will follow at Capital Parks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers: KMFA Classical Radio www.kmfa.org.