Alvin Wernli

Alvin "Sonny" Wernli, 92, of Three Rivers, passed away Saturday, Rebruary 9, 2013. He had been a faithful, active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church for many years. He spent many hours helping the church, as well as, the Ray Point BBQ Fund Raisers. He was born to the late Erwin and Ida Wernli, December 2, 1920 in Pawnee, Texas. He graduated from the Pawnee High School in Pawnee in 1938 where he played football, ran track, and played basketball with the Pawnee Indians. He then joined the Army Air Corps and served during WWII. He spent many hours hunting and fishing with his cousin, Albert Braune, and nephews at Choke Canyon Lake. He was rancher, a bookkeeper at the Oaks Gin, and oil field worker, and a farmer at Oak before marrying Adela Rokohl Braune, on his birthday in 1968. Then, he became co-owner of the Ray Point Merchantile Store. He and Adela operated the store together until she became ill in 1994. In 1995, he closed the store and continued being Adela's faithful caregiver for non more years till be passed in 2004. He maintained his land at Oaks and the Rokohl homestead at Ray Point. He loved the Ray Point community, and participated in the new building construction. The fellowship of the Three Rivers community was very dear to him. He could be seen in his brown truck going to Dairy Queen, and other restaurants for friendship and his "coffee." The hostesses would bet his black coffee with 2 teaspoons for sugar ready as soon as they saw him walk in the door. He was a faithful "Bulldog" fan as he attended many of their home games. He cheered for many of his own family and friend's children. On Sundays, he was a devoted Dallas Cowboy fan, and he loved to talk football with anyone. Anytime anyone things of Ray Point, of course, they think of "Sonny." He may have been called to serve the Lord in heaven, but his "SPIRIT" will continue to serve his beloved friends and family as he loves on in their hearts. The communities of Ray Point and Three Rivers have been honored to have his warm smile and friendship for many years, and he and the Lord will continue to spread their blessings over everyone for many years to come. The family would also like to thank the Three Rivers Nursing Home Staff. Sonny is preceded in death by his wife Adela Rokohl Braune Wernli, three brothers, Wesley Wernli, Erwin Wernli Jr, and an infant brother, and a step daughter Alice Jane Krause. He is survived by his brother Leslie Wernli and wife Jane of Three Rivers, a sister in law Bernice Wernli of San Antonio, step sister in law Adela Rokohl of Three Rivers, step daughter JoAnn Teague and husband Gerald of Pawnee, step son Robert C Braune and wife Carol of Victoria, four grandchildren, Tracie Hollis and husband Rick, Melynn Brandenburg and husband Cory, Bobby Braune, Ross Braune and wife Rosa, 7 great grandchildren, nephews Wayne Wernli, Lesley "Bub" Wernli and wife Mary, James Erwin Wernli and wife Susan and David Wernli. Visitation will begin on Tuesdaym February 12, 2013 at Galloway and Sons Funeral Home in Three Rivers from 6PM-8PM. A prayer service will be held that evening beginning at 7PM. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 10AM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Three Rivers with interment to follow at the Ray Point Cemetery in Ray Point. Pall bearers will be Bobby Braune, Ross Braune, Cory Brandenburg, Rick Hollis, Erwin Wernli, Lesley "Bub" Wernli, Wayne Wernli, and David Wernli. Donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.