Wayne Alvarez

Wayne Martin AlvarezDecember 20th 1948 – June 20th 2019Beloved Brother, Husband, Dad of 4, Papa Wayne to 8 grand kids, and friend to many. Wayne was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in District Heights, MD. He was mesmerized by the era of rock and roll and space travel. He graduated from Suitland High School, class of ’66, and attended many reunions through the years. He excelled at sports as a football and baseball player and honed his love of music which included the trumpet, bass guitar, keys and vocals. He founded the Ascots “boy band” as a teenager and played at events all over the DC area.Wayne attended University of MD and graduated from LeTourneau University with a degree in electrical engineering. During this time Wayne earned a scholarship by touring with the LeTourneau Singers which he remembered fondly. Wayne married long-time friend, Vernanne Garner Alvarez, on January 1st, 1971. They met in junior high, played music together and as a cheerleader she rooted for him on the football field. The two were married for 48 years and said the secret to a good marriage is staying friends, which they did with flying colors.Wayne’s thirty-year high-tech career took his family across the country, living in the states of MI, WI, NC, VA, TX, CA, MS, PA and eventually settling back in TX in 1994. He landscaped every home yard along the way, planting palm and fruit trees and often creating vegetable gardens. Wayne also found enjoyment dabbling in Real Estate, earning his license and flipping houses. Even though he was a mean tennis player and pickle ball ‘boss’, he was known for his hospitality and ability to lighten the mood with his humor. Wayne always had a seat available at his table and conversations often lead to favorite subjects of apologetics, mysteries of the universe and geology.Shortly after moving back to TX, Wayne rediscovered his trumpet and music once again grabbed his soul. He was in many Jazz & Big Bands, most often in the 2nd trumpet chair. Music groups included ACC Jazz Band, The Flashbacks, Grupo Lunes, 210 Jazz Band, Powerhouse Big Band, Not Past 11, and most recently Armadillo Swing Band.Wayne earned his favorite title in 2004 when he became “Papa Wayne.” His family, including 4 children and 8 grand kids, were a source of much joy and pride. Wayne was beloved for his heart and sense of humor. He never missed the chance to let us know “he was Da Man.” And when it came to being a consummate grill master, trumpet player, Husband and Dad, he truly was. In 2013 Wayne and Nanne settled in Sun City, Georgetown, where he enjoyed pickleball, senior university, the greenbelt behind his house and neighborhood wine times. Wayne passed away after complications from open heart surgery. He was an active church goer and most recently a member of Main Street Baptist Church in Georgetown. A memorial service will be held there Sunday, July 7th, at 4P which will include music by the Armadillo Jazz Band.There is a Wayne-sized hole in the hearts of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be sent to the following non-profits in Wayne’s memory:Song Rise Arts: A music education and mentorship program to low-income and under served youth.422 Ferguson St.Taylor, TX 76574*Tax deductible. Please make checks out to Song Rise Arts.www.songrisearts.org/donate/Reasons To Believe: Sharing the Gospel thru evidence-based reason and scientific research.818 South Oak Park Rd.Covina, CA 91724*Tax deductible. Please be sure to type in “Austin Chapter Use”www.reasons.org/donate/donations