Alex P. Rivas

Alex P. Rivas, 97, born July 10, 1920, died Tuesday, February 20, 2018, in the presence of his beloved family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Alicia Rivas née Alderete, parents Doroteo Rivas and Silviana Pineda Rivas, and beloved aunts Carolina and Dolores. He is survived by his daughter Alejandrina Morton, son Alberto Rivas, grandchildren Cristina and Philip Morton, and great grandson Steven Morton.

A lifelong Catholic, Alex was born in Sunset Heights, El Paso, Texas, and grew up in Five Points, raised by his mother and aunts. He attended Alta Vista School and El Paso Technical High School. Before graduating he joined the Texas National Guard along with many of his neighborhood buddies and with the onset of WWII their unit was inducted into the Army as Company E, of the 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division of the Texas Army. Before the unit went overseas he was assigned to the Composite School Unit in Camp Ritchie MD, as an instructor. He later served with the Army Intelligence Division, War Department. At war’s end he received his Honorable Discharge, Good Conduct Medal, and Texas Federal Service Medal.

He lived for a time in Hagerstown, Maryland, working as a skilled metal worker and carpenter at Jamison Door Company. He undertook art and draughting training and returned to El Paso to work with Franklin Stores apparel corporation as a window trimmer for the remainder of his career, and later with Charles’ store both in downtown El Paso, enjoying traveling often with his boss and good friend Joel Kleinfeld (Mr. “K”) to south Texas store locations.

Being avid dancers, Alex and companion veterans and their wives formed the Company E Club of El Paso, and as Vice President helped in organizing monthly dances to the Big Band music of the Greatest Generation. He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge, BPOE 187.

Having been civilly married since 1956 Alex and Alicia were married in St. Joseph Catholic church in July 1977, the late Father John F. Deeves, S.J. assisting.

As a WWII veteran he received recognition at the dedication of the Chapin High school rotunda memorial to Company E, and in the books “The Men of Company E” and “Patriots from the Barrio.” He was awarded the Key to the City of El Paso by the Mayor in 2015, and along with surviving members of Company E was awarded his deferred High School Diploma by the El Paso School District.

Alex was known as a kind man who never uttered a harsh word, who always offered a friendly greeting, who loved to dance even in his nineties, always ready to mix you a Manhattan, and to help out in any way he could. He was devoted to his wife and family, devout in his faith, in constant prayer and devotion to Christ on the Holy Cross in later years.

Visitation beginning at 6:00 p.m. rosary at 7:00 p.m. Thursday 3/1, Martin Funeral Home Central, 3839 Montana Ave., Funeral mass Friday, 3/2, 1:00 p.m., St. Raphael church, 2301 Zanzibar, interment following, Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Pallbearers: Alberto Rivas, Philip Morton, Paul Luther Esq., Edward Flores, Albert Concha, and Albert Ruiz.