Alvin Dewey Callender Jr.

Al and his mom, Betty, moved to Iota, Louisiana to be with family when his dad was sent on a combat mission flying his plane named Little Al. After WWII, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas until Al’s dad left active duty. The family moved to Louisiana and remained there with the exception of one year spent in Winnipeg, Canada.

Al graduated from Lafayette High School in his hometown. He attended school at what is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While there, he was the Louisiana state champion for his bodyweight category for weight lifting. Al then transferred to the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he matriculated into the School of Pharmacy. He left school to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served two years active duty and then returned to school to finish his pharmacy degree while continuing to serve for four more years in the Marine Corps Reserves. After graduating, he practiced pharmacy in Lafayette. While there, Al’s daughter Rachel was born.

Al then moved to Houston, Texas to attend South Texas College of Law. While attending law school, he worked as a pharmacist in the Houston Medical Center. Al’s son, Marshal Juddson, was born in Houston. Al graduated from law school in 1975 and practiced law until he retired.

In 1984, Al married Frances Stephenson. They were married for 37 years.

Al was a man of many talents. An excellent chef and accomplished oil painter, he was a true renaissance man. He enjoyed fishing and duck hunting with his golden retriever. A man of words and letters, he was a life-long learner. Al found adventure in many ways including participating in sky diving and on occasion flying a plane. And last but not least, he had a keen sense of humor.

He faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease and other health issues for many years. During this time, he found great pleasure in providing a home for his rescued cats. Throughout his life, Al cherished his family and his many friends from all walks of life.

Al is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Dewey Callender Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Callender. He is survived by his loving wife Frances Callender, daughter Rachel Callender, son Marshal Juddson (Kristen), brother Robert Edmund Callender Sr (Ann), brother Thomas James Callender (Krista), granddaughter Jewell Porrier, grandson Calvin Walter Callender, and granddaughter Philippa Maxine Callender. He is also survived by his Aunt Irma Darphin, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He will be interned at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in his name to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate/donate-parkinsons-disease-research).

The military cemetery only allows two flower arrangements. If you feel so inclined to send a living arrangement, please purchase a plant that is not poisonous to cats.

A visitation for Alvin will be held Monday, January 3, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd, Houston, Texas 77008. Funeral is scheduled for Monday, 10:30 AM, at the Heights Funeral Chapel. Committal service will follow at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Callender family.