IN MEMORY HONOR ROLL

Gilbert Colunga Alvarez (aka Tarzan, Alvarez Kelly, Panda Bear) was born to Emiterio and Elisa Alvarez June 29, 1946. He was the third born of four children and was blessed with siblings from his parent’s second marriages. He became an angel January 11, 2022. He proudly joined the United States Marine Corps October 1966 to November 1972 and served in Vietnam (1 Marine Division 1st Marine Base Security Military Police Bn. At Da Nang Air Base; 3rd Marine Division 1st Plt Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 9th Marine Pointman; and 3rd Marine Division Bravo Comp. CAC/CAP Combat Action Plat). He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Vietnamese Service Medal, a Vietnamese Campaign Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and M-14 Rifle Marksman Badge. When he came home he married and fathered two sons: Gilbert Alvarez and Omar Alvarez (Tanya). He attended LSU and St. Mary’s University, receiving his B.A. in Education. December 22, 1972, he married Delia Sanchez, and fathered five children: Jennifer Robbins (Shannon), Lori Alvarez, Delia Lisa Alvarez, Christopher Alvarez (Sabrina), and Kristianne Pidlaoan (Jay). He served in the Army National Guard June 1977 to June 1987. He obtained a Master’s in Administration from Texas A&I. He loved teaching and coaching. He was a member of Military Veterans for Christ. After successfully fighting for disability benefits, he helped other Veterans obtain theirs. Gilbert wanted to help other Veterans in their education and his family will honor him by helping Veterans and their children in pursuit of their education. He loved his family, dancing, singing and World of Warcraft. He is survived by his wife Delia Alvarez, their children, and his sons. He leaves behind beloved grandchildren: Bethany, Ashley, Nick, Mercedes, Alex, Jacob, McKayla, and Isabella; and a beloved fur grandbaby Vixxie.