Elias "Coach" Alvarez

Elias "Coach" Alvarez entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Retama Manor Nursing Home in Edinburg, Texas. He was born on February 12, 1940 in Hebbronville, Texas to Arturo and Adelfa Alvarez.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Mario L. Alvarez, sister-in-law’s Aida H. Alvarez, and Elizabeth G. Alvarez, and brother-in-law Homero Huerta.
Elias is survived by his wife of 54 years; Yolanda G. Alvarez, Sons Jorge E. (Lisa) Alvarez, Rene E. (Edith) Alvarez, grandchildren; Alyssa Renee Alvarez, Audrey Anne Alvarez, Ariana Aleen Alvarez, Andrew Jacob Alvarez, Rene Elias Alvarez Jr., Jehieli Rivera; great grandson Juan Francisco Mundo III; brothers Arturo Alvarez Jr., Jose Alvarez; sisters Anna Huerta, Estela Marquez (Fidel Marquez), and sister-in-law Diana G. Alvarez.
Elias graduated from Hebbronville High School in 1959. During the same year, he joined and served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. He attended and played baseball for 2 years under a scholarship at Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas. In 1961, he signed with the Pittsburg Pirates and played in their farm league for several teams. In 1962, he signed with the Houston Colt 45 Team and played in their farm system. Between 1963-1965, he played semi-pro baseball in Mexico with the Davis Ginners.
In 1966, he began his teaching and coaching career with various sports throughout South Texas for 35 years until his retirement. In 1986, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Texas A&I Kingsville.
In 2019, Elias was inducted into the Leo Najo Baseball Hall of Fame.
During his off time and after retirement, Elias enjoyed running, weightlifting, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
His family will receive friends on Monday, January 17, 2022 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a Rosary to be prayed at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Peace at Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home, 322 East Kuhn Street in Edinburg. Catholic memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 501 East Kuhn Street in Edinburg. Catholic burial will follow to Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, 1701 East Richardson Road, in Edinburg. Funeral services have been entrusted to Johnny Garcia, Manager/Funeral Director and staff of Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home.

---