Alvin Gene Emmons was born July 19, 1950 in Madill, Ok to Arvel and Clorean Emmons. He went to his heavenly home on May 21, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Ok. Alvin moved to OKC when he was eight years old to live with his father growing up in south OKC. He is a graduate of Southeast High School in OKC. He was a lifeguard at one of the swimming pools in south OKC as a young man. Alvin attended college and technical fire training at OSU and OSU Tech in Okmulgee, OK. He worked at Tinker Air Force Base as a Fire Inspector and also worked as a fire chief in Tishomingo, Ok. The greater part of his career he worked for the Salvation Army Adult Rehab Services in OKC as their Warehouse Production Supervisor. The Salvation Army program helped Alvin overcome his alcohol addiction and Major DeBerry of the Salvation Army said that Alvin, "touched the lives of thousands of men" through the years he worked at Salvation Army. He was a "soldier for the Salvation Army." Alvin married Linda Ellenburg on February 14, 1996 in the Salvation Army Chapel and they had a wonderful 23 years together. Alvin sometimes appeared to have a rough edge, but he really had a tender heart. He and Linda helped to raise Rayna and Anthony, Lindas grandchildren. Alvin loved them like they were his very own. Alvin had a good sense of humor and people liked him. Alvin joined the Portland Avenue Baptist Church on July 19, 2009. On August 30, 2015, he was ordained as a Deacon at Portland Avenue. Alvin was always the first one to volunteer to help with different activities and ministries. If he saw a need, he was ready to help. In fact, just a week ago, he went to Home Depot and bought some bags of asphalt patch to fix a pothole in the church parking lot. Alvin wanted others to know about Jesus. He recently was able to share the Lord with his brothers, Robert and Frankie "Punk." Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Cloreen Pittman Emmons; three brothers, Frankie Richards, Robert Richards and Albert Richards along with sister, Ola Mae Fuller. He is survived by wife of 23 years, Linda Ellenburg Emmons of OKC; daughter, Steva Coyle of Moore, Ok; grandchildren, Joe Ryan Emmons, Alisha Coyle, Anthony Hayward, and Rayna Hudson; and by one brother, James Richards and wife, Tawana, of California. Alvin will truly be missed by his family and his church family. "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" Matthew 25:23. Memorial Service Portland Avenue Baptist Church Thursday, May 30, 2019 2:00 PM 1301 N. Portland Avenue Oklahoma City, OK