Sam Lynn Alvey

Sam Lynn Alvey, 66, of Topeka passed away at the Topeka VA Medical Center on December 31, 2016 after a prolonged illness. While there, he was cared for with skill and compassion by doctors and medical staff.

Sam was born January 5, 1950 in Coffeyville, Kansas, the son of Herb and Clarys June Alvey. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Casey, and his nephew, Adam. Survivors include his beloved son Jacob of Topeka, his sister Sharon Bauer of Virginia, and his brother John (Wendy) Alvey of Coffevyille , Kansas as well as numerous extended family. Others who have had the privilege of knowing Sam and will miss him deeply include his friends from the DugOut, extended family and fellow veterans.

Sam was married to Debbie Boyce Alvey from March 1978 to March 2013. Although the marriage ended, they remained best of friends and committed parents to their son Jacob.

Sam was raised in Coffevyille Kansas and attended Field Kindley High School graduating in 1968. He also attended Coffeyville Community College. During the VietNam War, Sam served his country in the Army as a Traffic Analyst and received 4 Bronze Stars, a National Defense Medal and a Rifle Marksmanship Medal. After an honorable discharge he attended Pittsburg State University where he received a Bachelors of Science Degree with a major in Social Work. In 1996, he earned his Masters of Public Administration from Kansas University.

During his years in Coffeyville, Sam worked in Social and Rehabilitation Services where he investigated child abuse and neglect, supervised juvenile offenders - eventually being promoted to Social Services Supervisor. He served as the first Director of Montgomery County Community Corrections. He was one of the youngest Commanders of the VFW in Coffeyville Kansas, where he inspired members to guide their fellow vets in rebuilding their lives.

Sam and Debbie moved their family to Topeka in 1989 in order to take advantage of educational opportunities for their son Jacob. While in Topeka, he became Director of the Community Corrections Mediation Board. He moved on to work as internal quality monitor for Social and Rehabilitation Services. He ended his public service career at the Department on Aging where he was Director of Evaluation. His career was enhanced by his brilliant analytical ability, humor, and personal/work ethic standards.

Sam was gregarious in nature and loved life. He was a social activist who championed causes that impacted citizens who were unable to articulate and stand up for themselves. His life passion involved assisting those people in achieving better lives and being the best kind of father to his son Jacob.

In his last years, Sam struggled with many health and wellness issues, related to his service in VietNam.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, January 5 at 10AM. The service will be in the Chapel at the VA Medical Center, Topeka. A celebration of life party will be held at The DugOut, Fairlawn Rd in Topeka at a later time. There will be a private internment with military honors at Fort Leavenworth.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors in Sam Alvey's honor.