Alvin was born on a farm in Menlo, Kansas, on Jan. 3, 1920, the son of Harvey Elberta Bastin and Gertrude Hawkins Bastin. He and his fraternal twin, Marion were the second born of the family, with Cleo being the first born. Later, Dean and Erma Jean were born to the family. All are deceased except Cleo, the oldest. Alvin graduated from Menlo Consolidated High School in 1939. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp on Jan. 12, 1942. He flew as an aerial engineer gunner on B-24. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 15, 1945, as a Tech Sergeant. Shortly after being discharged from the Air Corp, he met and married Vera Louise Miller. There were married on March 28, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas. This love affair lasted 58 years here and an eternity to go. Alvin was recalled into active duty with the Air Force in 1950, during the Korean Conflict. In December, 1952 Alvin was promoted to Master Sergeant. He retired on Jan. 1, 1967, after 20 years of service. He had accumulated the following medals during his career in the service, Good Conduct, Air Medal, American Campaign with one Battle Star, World War II Victory Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Commendation Medal.
Alvin was an instructor at Colorado Aero Tech from 1967 to 1985 and received several awards. He retired from Colorado Aero Tech on Jan. 1, 1985. He leaves his wife, Vera in Columbia, Md.; a son, Donald and his wife, Kathleen; and three grandsons, Michael Peter, Matthew Steven and Andrew John; his brother, Cleo of Clay County, Kansas; and nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Lambeth-Troxler Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. David Crabtree officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Guilford Memorial Park in Greensboro.
Greensboro News and Record, Jun 29 2004
Howard County Times (MD) Jul 8 2004
Columbia Flier (MD) Jul 8 2004