Alvin M. Himes

Longtime Strasburg resident Alvin M. Himes, 88, died Saturday, February 27, 2010 in the Hennis Care Centre at Dover.

Born April 23, 1921 at Strasburg, he was the son of the late Arlington & Edith Klinger Himes.

He was self-employed for most of his working life, both with Himes Trailer Sales and the former Himes Texaco Station in Strasburg. He retired as a school bus driver for Strasburg Schools.

Alvin took pleasure in being outdoors and getting wrapped up in any number of activities from fishing and hunting to tending to his gardens. He was especially fond of camping and the annual family campouts while his children were growing up. In recent years, he enjoyed camping with his family and friends at Crazy 8 Campground in Kimbolton.

A favorite hobby since he was a schoolboy, Alvin always looked forward to a good game of cards.

He proudly served his country in the Army during World War II, and was recently honored by the Chas. Hofer post of the American Legion at Strasburg for 50 years of membership.

Alvin was "big and loud," as affectionately described by his children, but with the heart of a teddy bear. Because of his stature, he often enjoyed the feeling of being the man in charge. This was especially fun for him during his family's famous holiday gatherings, which often included 40 or more people and friends as well as family.

He was a member of Strasburg's First Lutheran Church.

For 66 years, Alvin shared his life with his loving wife, Rachel P. Smith Himes, who died May 26, 2006.

Surviving family members include: three children, David (Judy) Himes, Carol (Joe) Schott, and Jane (Louis) McGrath, all of Strasburg; seven grandchildren, Michelle McRae, Cathleen Samson, Michael Himes, Marc McGrath, Christine Dreher, Cynthia Schott and Janelle Allensworth; seventeen great-grandchildren; a sister, Blanche Boughman of Dover; and sisters-in-law, Dolores Himes, Dorothy McCulley and Mildred Smith.

Along with his parents and wife, Alvin was preceded in death by six siblings: Russell, Carl, Merle and Otis Himes, Verda Climes and Erma Eash.

Holy Communion celebrating Alvin's life will be held Thursday, March 4, at 11 a.m., in First Lutheran Church, Strasburg, with Pastor Steven Woyen officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Union Cemetery, Strasburg where Alvin's comrades from the American Legion will provide military honors. Following the committal, there will be a meal in the church. Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 803 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, on Wednesday, March 3, from 5 8 p.m. as well as one-hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Alvin, please visit the funeral home's Web site and click on "obituaries."

The family suggests that contributions in memory of Alvin be made to First Lutheran Church, 211 Eighth St. S.W., Strasburg, OH 44680.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com