Alvin L. Masengale

11/3/1932 — 10/6/2014

Service Date: 10/9/2014
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Alvin Loren Masengale went to be with his savior Monday, Oct. 6, 2014.

He was born Nov. 3, 1932, in Roswell, N.M., to Robert Dow Masengale and Ethel Frances King. His devotion to duty started with his devotion to God, his country, his family, and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He grew up in Buckeye, Ariz., and graduated from Buckeye Union High. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 12, 1951, where he served honorably for 22 years. He was deployed for three tours of duty in Vietnam in 1966, 1967 and 1968. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded many military medals including the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star with Clusters. Alvin retired from service March 22, 1973.

After joining the Navy, Alvin was blessed to meet the love of his life, Carole Deanne Briggs. Alvin and Carole were joined together Sept. 5, 1955, and they were married for 59 years. They had five children, Steven (Rose), Robert (Carol), Pamela, Kerri (Kelly) and Kathie (J.B.); 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and so many nieces and nephews we lost count.

He is survived by two brothers and a sister, Tommy Masengale of Poteau, Okla., Kenneth Esslinger of Roswell, N.M., and Sharon Gladden of Arizona. He loved playing softball with his brother Larry, as well as many other sports, hunting, fishing, golf and watching the cooking channels.

Our hero was a dedicated family man. His selflessness and unconditional love was felt by many. He was nicknamed "Saint Alvin" by his two sisters-in-law because of their mother, and grandmother, who could find no fault in this terrific man. Alvin's example, and love for the Lord, has now been passed down for five generations.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, 3810 16th St., Lewiston, and graveside services will follow at Craigmont Cemetery. A luncheon will be held for all who want to attend in Reubens at the Community Center directly following.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Wounded Warrior Project via www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or to "The Neighbors" through Cottonwood Credit Union in lieu of flowers.

Service Information

Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 12:00 AM
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3810 16th St
Lewiston, ID 83501

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Additional Details: The family suggests that memorials be made to Wounded Warrior Project via www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or to "The Neighbors" through Cottonwood Credit Union in lieu of flowers.