Alvin was born in Weston Idaho. His family moved to many different states while he was still quite young but they finally settled in California. He graduated from Richmond High School and the as World War II was in its early stages, he went to work in the Shipyards in Richmond. His boss kept getting deferments for him but he finally got tired of that and enlisted in the Army. Alvins best friend was dating a girl in Fresno and so he set up a blind date for Alvin. The results of that date were a wedding shortly thereafter. He married Luella McArron on May 23, 1942. He soon received orders to ship out. Alvin was sent to Guam where he was over a team of aircraft machanics working on B29 Bombers. This had a great influence on his later career. Al worked for the Army National Guard as an aircraft inspector. He retired in 1980 and in 1991 was called up again to work during Desert Storm. He spent a total of 39 years in the service. In 2014 he was thrilled to be able to join the Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was 94 years old at the time.
After the war, Alvin moved to Fresno with his little family. He and Luella raised four children. After retirement he and Lue enjoyed being able to travel the world. They loved cruising and they had visited every state in the US and also into Canada. Their last trip was to Hawaii when they were 94.
Al was preceded in death by his son, Gregory. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Luella, his son Ronald Hopkins (Brenda Joy), daughter Libby Clarke (Wayne), daughter Jeannie Dehmel (Kerry) and daughter-in-law Christine Hopkins. He leaves 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.
Graveside service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 10:00 am.
