Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle on Sept. 25, 2015

Alvis Beryl Gainer(1934 - 2015)
Alvis Beryl Gainer
1934-2015
Dr. Alvis Beryl Gainer graduated to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, September 22, 2015.
Dr. Gainer was born in Brady, Texas, to November 2, 1934 to Joe and Nova Cave Gainer. Alvis grew up in Eden, Texas, along with his sister, Dr. Aleene Carroll King Van de Grift and brother, Homer Odell Gainer. Their father was a farmer, and mother a homemaker.
He graduated from Eden High School in 1952, where he was an excellent student and enjoyed participating in sports. Alvis was salutatorian of his graduating class.
After his second years in the Veterinary School at Texas A&M University, illness caused a change of degree plan to chemistry. He graduated in 1959 with a Master's Degree in chemistry; followed a PhD in analytical and organic chemistry from the University of Oklahoma. He received an award from the Society of The Segma XI in recognition of outstanding research in graduation studies. Alvis worked his way through college as a teaching assistant and many odd jobs. A stint in the U.S. Army followed; he was stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, where he was a company commander of a Armour Division.
Dr. Gainer began his career working in research for Mobil Oil in Beaumont, Texas. He spent the next 30 years working in the chemical industry doing research and developing oilfield and refinery performance chemicals, where he obtained several patents. Alvis was well-known for his ability to analyze problems and find solutions.
For several years, Dr. Gainer was an owner of an independent environmental and construction materials laboratory in Houston; Analytical & Testing Laboratory. His laboratory served many customers in the industry, public works, government, and individuals. Cleaning up our waterways was of great importance to Dr. Gainer.
His favorite saying upon being asked, "How are you?" was, "I am bright eyed, bushy tailed, full of vim, vigor, and vitality."
After retiring from industry, Alvis became a certified teacher. He taught at Briarwood School, Alief ISD, Faith West Academy, and the University of Houston downtown.
Dr. Alvis loved to study the Bible, and published two books that promote a clearer understanding of the scriptures: "Supernatural Truth in the Bible: and "Supernatural Bible Prophecies"; a third book was in progress at his death. Throughout his life, Alvis enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes at his church.
The yearly Gainer family reunion was a thrill for Alvis. He enjoyed being with loved ones, catching up on their current events, new additions to the clan, and sharing remembrances and "exaggerated" tales from the past.
His hobbies included golf, both playing and watching tournaments on TV. Texas A&M football was also of great importance; win or lose, he was always an Aggie.
Alvis is survived by his wife of 60 years, Naomi Louise Hutchinson Gainer; their two children, Brenda Leverick of San Angelo, Texas, and Glen Gainer and wife Bessie of Eden, Texas; three granddaughters, Audrey (Hans) Umhoefer, Chelsie (Justin) Badger, and Aarica Gainer; one grandson, Aaron Gainer; and four great grandchildren, Keaton Gainer, Lillian Gainer, Astrid Umhoefer, and Addison Badger.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the Trinity Apostolic Faith Church, in Katy, where a celebration of Dr. Gainer's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Phillip Clements officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, in the Eden Cemetery in Eden, Texas.
Condolences may be expressed at www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net




Funeral Home
Schmidt Funeral Home
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