Alvin Fails

Alvin Fails, age 97, of Clovis, New Mexico, passed away at his home on March 29th, 2014. Alvin was born on July 21st, 1916, in Milnesand, New Mexico, and grew up in Portales, NM. He joined the National Guard in 1941. He was one of six in Clovis and Curry County that was a surviving Bataan Veteran of World War II. He endured three and a half years as a prisoner of war. Alvin is believed to be the last of the Bataan survivors from his home area.

After returning to New Mexico after the war, he married Bernice Browning and they raised five children. Alvin worked for the City of Portales, for 20 years, until complications from his POW imprisonment left him physically disabled. In 1980 he and his wife moved west of Clovis, where they remained. Alvin had a love for always being out in his yard, planting trees and roses. Alvin loved his family, and loved spending time with them. He had many acquaintances from over the years. Before the death of his wife they spent many days at the Bingo halls and acquired many friends.

The many military organizations in our area have honored Alvin for his time served in so many different ways. He made many friends through this connection and his family will always remember their time spent honoring him for what he endured for our country.

He is survived by one daughter Janie and John Stokes of Portales NM, four sons, John and Susan Fails of Sanford, FL, Billy and Patty Fails, Tommy and Cindy Fails both of Colorado Springs, CO, and Rick and Jolene Fails of Clovis, NM. He is also survived by his brother Albert Fails of Portales, NM, and grandchildren, Chuck, J.D., Jennifer, Marisa, Katie, Josh, Nikki, T.J., Jon, Kevin, Emily, and 10 great grand children

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bernice, one grandson, Thomas Fails, two brothers, and four sisters.

Funeral services are at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2014 at SteedTodd Funeral Home in Clovis with Mike Eminger officiating. Burial will follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis. Pallbearers are his grandsons Josh Stokes, TJ Fails, Jon Fails, and JD Fails and Charlie Day, Glenn Eminger, Mike Kroeger, , and John Stokes.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana Blvd, Clovis, New Mexico 575 7635541. You may also sign the online guest registry at www.steedtodd.com .

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