Alvin J. Hollas

Alvin J. Hollas, 94, of Houston, peacefully passed away Friday, May 19, 2023.

Alvin was born Oct. 13, 1928 at home in the High Hill community north of Schulenburg to Hugo and Pauline (Schmidt) Hollas. Alvin grew up the oldest of seven boys. In his younger years, he attended the High Hill School and helped on the family farm, milked cows, worked in the fields and picked cotton. At age 18 he was employed as a carpenter. Two years later, November 1950, Alvin was drafted into the service when the Korean War began. He served in the 40th Infantry Division. After a short basic training at Camp Cook, California, the Division was shipped to Japan for 9 months of advanced training and then dispatched to the front lines in Korea for another 9 months, where he received several Infantry Combat Awards.

After his honorable discharge in October 1952, he moved to Houston and was employed by the Ford Motor Co. Parts Depot, and Phoenix Dairy where he had a retail milk delivery route in the River Oaks area. On Oct. 19, 1953, he married the love of his life, Bernice Richter of St. John, and they enjoyed 67 years together until her death in 2020. The following year, he enrolled in the University of Houston and was employed by the Harris County Auditor’s Office. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and obtained his CPA Certificate. He continued his employment with Harris County for 38 years, including one year as Director of Internal Audit for the Harris County Hospital District, and then 23 years as the First Assistant County Auditor. Alvin retired in 1993 but he continued to want to work and to serve in the community. After retirement, he was appointed to the Harris County Hospital Board of Managers where he served one term. He was a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Houston Downtown Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, and served as treasurer for the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Korean War Veterans. He was an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church where he served on the finance committee for several years. He was a Catholic Life Insurance representative and was currently serving as the president of Northwest Houston Branch 58.

Alvin enjoyed travel. There were many family vacation driving trips and several overseas vacation trips with Bernice. He was a handyman and a gardener. He loved to socialize with family and friends.

Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice (Richter) Hollas; his parents, Hugo Sr. and Pauline (Schmidt) Hollas; his brothers, Armand Hollas, Leo Hollas and Hugo Hollas Jr.; and his great-grandson, Callan Symmank.

Alvin is survived by his four children and their spouses, Ronald (Esther) Hollas, Carol (Gregory) Batt, Deborah (Kevin) Hunter and Rebecca (Robert) Symmank; six grandchildren and their spouses, Jessica (Chip) Belcher, Travis (Louella) Batt, Dana (Justin) Neuneker, Michelle (Stephen) Groppell, Matthew (Genesis) Symmank and Eric (Meredith) Symmank; nine greatgrandchildren, Blake and Elizabeth Belcher, Taylor and Ryan Neuneker, Olivia and William Groppell, Benjamin and Tatum Symmank, and Martin Symmank. He is also survived by his brothers and sister-in-laws, Robert (Alice) Hollas, Winfred (Carol Ann) Hollas and Richard (Barbara) Hollas; sister-in-laws, Mildred Hollas, Rose Hollas and Paula Hollas; and many extended family members.

Visitation, rosary and funeral services were held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Houston. Alvin was laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery in Houston.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Alvin to the St. Jerome Catholic Church Building Fund, 8825 Kempwood, Houston, TX 77080, or a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Joseph Earthman Generations in Houston. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.josephjearthman.com.