Alton Calvez

On Saturday, February 9, after a busy day of gardening and while adding his final touches, Alton was suddenly in the arms of the Lord. He passed away outdoors doing what he loved most in La Grange, TX. Alton was a loving husband, caring and supportive father, precious grandfather, thoughtful brother and kind and considerate friend. His passion for gardening, growing things and beautiful landscapes knew no bounds. Through his garden ministry at church, he touched so many lives - both young and old. His special gift to all was the beautiful and peaceful prayer garden. We are forever grateful for his dedication and generosity.

Alton recently turned 74 and grew up in the Banquete/Agua Dulce community of Nueces County, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University on a Houston Fat Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship and graduated with a degree in agricultural education. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army and returned to Texas A&M to graduate with a master's degree. Alton enjoyed a diverse working career that focused on helping others whether he was teaching, as a ranch manager or most recently, in sales.

Alton and his wife, Amber, enjoyed a great deal of travel over the last seven years including trips to the Grand Canyon, California, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Yellowstone and most recently and most meaningful, a trip to Alaska last summer. They had many more trips planned and were looking forward to spending much more time together in the country.

Alton was most proud of his four beautiful daughters and loved to have his girls together. He was most happy when they were all together. He shared his love of nature, animals and gardening with each of them.

Alton lived in the Houston area most of his life but was a "country boy" at heart. He was very generous with his extensive knowledge of plants and farming and loved to help at a friend's ranch in San Saba. Alton was looking forward to making his corner of La Grange more beautiful too. His chore list was long, wish list longer and he had already diagrammed his garden.

During a recent family gathering, we enjoyed reminiscing about Alton's favorite things: All things western including the western channel, western novels and cowboy boots. He also enjoyed the weather channel non-stop and firmly believed that Basic H or Vick's VapoRub could truly heal anything. He also believed in liberal use of Hasta Grow in the garden and bio-freeze after a long day in the yard. Alton was a very hard worker and spent countless hours beautifying our world.

Alton leaves his wife, Amber James, daughters, Terrie Juhl and John Czapski, Kelly Botkin, Kaitlyn Calvez and Kelsey Calvez. His grandchildren include Brian Juhl, Chase Juhl and Nikkie and Blake Hancock. Alton also leaves nine brothers and sisters; Gladys and Nelson Schroeder, Louis and Nita Jane Calvez, Betty and Bill Touchberry, Novileen Coffman, Carolyn and Charlie Coffman, Chris and Rudy Vanecek, Donnie and Charlene Calvez, Larry and Judy Calvez and Tommy and Cheryl Calvez. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. Also mourning his loss are Amber's children, Casey and Dena Honeycutt and Felecia and Tony May along with their children, Austin May, Tucker May and Sam Honeycutt. Alton was an attentive and thoughtful son-in-law to Dorothy Bratton who will miss him greatly. He also leaves a host of co-workers and special friends, including Cary Stillwagon. Alton was preceded in death by his sister, Margie Stanford and brother-in-law, Homer Coffman.

Alton's gentle soul and sweet spirit touched so many at work, church and the community. His warm smile, strong hug and generous heart will be missed. Alton truly made our world a more beautiful place.

Family and friends gathered on Saturday, February 16th at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate Alton's life at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 15015 Memorial at Eldridge in west Houston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the Emmanuel Episcopal Memorial Fund.