Alvin Daverne Gwinn

Alvin Gwinn, age 88, died March 11, 2024 at home with his family by his side. He was born July 14, 1935 in Lucas, Iowa. He was the third child of 5 to Andrew and Cleo Gwinn. Alvin learned the grocery trade at an early age. His parents owned a small grocery store and gas station, where he did several odd jobs to help out. Alvin attended Graceland College for 2 years where he met Daisy Lu Budd and they married on July 22, 1956. They lived in Iowa for a year in a small trailer before moving to Independence, Missouri. Alvin was employed at Safeway for 25 years and then other grocery stores for the next 8 years. He started as a cashier and worked his way up to management and then a pricing analyst. He fully retired in 1999. He and Daisy raised 4 children in the home that they lived in for 65 years. When the children, 3 boys and a girl, were old enough to play sports, he became a coach. At McCoy Elementary he coached basketball and flag football. He became Cub Scout Master and followed his two oldest boys into scouting where he was Scout Master of the troop. Alvin coached 15 years in either Queen City Baseball or girls Softball where he influenced many youths. Everything was always a family endeavor. He loved camping and took his family on many camping trips. He also loved woodworking and over the years made various items ranging from small to large that his family will always treasure. Alvin has been a member of the Independence Horseshoe Club since 1982. He has traveled to many states to compete in World tournaments, and in 1998 won a 1st place world championship trophy in Class J in Ainsworth, NE. To be nominated and elected to the Missouri Horseshoe Pitching Hall of Fame was his greatest honor. Other clubs and activities include square dancing with the Swinging Squares, Heart of America Model A Club (they helped him rebuild his 1930 Ford Model A), and the Chuggers Model T Club. Alvin enjoyed being a grandpa to his 12 grandchildren plus 2 foreign exchange students from Germany and 8 great grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Daisy; his children-Ron (Lynn), Steve (Deborah), Melanie (Neal), and Rick (Wendy), as well as many other extended family members. Alvin was always young at heart and involved in many different projects. He had a love for God and displayed it throughout his life. He made a difference in many lives and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.