Alvin Moutrie

MOUNT PLEASANT - Alvin Morris Moutrie passed away July 16th, at the University of Iowa Hospital. Funeral service will be at noon on Wednesday, July 21, at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, with military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until service time. Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Alvin's two favorite charities: Wounded Warriors and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The service will be livestreamed at Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at our website.

He was born June 24, 1947, in Naylor, Missouri to Morris Martin & Thelma Bernice Moutrie. He graduated from Naylor High School in 1965 and attended University of Missouri - Columbia, and Southeast Missouri State University, in Cape Girardeau.

On April 7, 1969, he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Fessler in Edina, Missouri. He joined the United States Navy in August of that year and was stationed in Key West, Florida and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Upon discharge from the Navy they settled in Edina, Missouri. They relocated to Mt. Pleasant, IA, in 1989.

Through the years, Alvin worked as a salesman, farmer and truck driver. He loved tinkering in his shop building "a better mousetrap". "Why go to the store to buy a new one for $2.00, that actually works, when you could just use old boards and crooked nails to build one that was questionably effective", seemed to be his motto.

Alvin never met a stranger, loved telling stories and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved animals and enjoyed raising horses for many years.

His greatest joy in life was his family and his happiest times were spent when the house was bursting with kids and grandkids, gathered around the dining table.

He always said the past 5 years were the best of his life, when he and Carol retired, purchased an RV and traveled the country together. They talked often about what a wonderful life they had, and they cherished these last years together, with the realization that it wouldn't last forever.

He is survived by his wife Carol, son Bradley (Jennifer) Moutrie and daughters Laurie (Erik) Toft, Allison (Jonathan) Clarke and Amanda (Scott) Schara, 7 grandchildren Alexandra (Jason) Kaalberg, Katherin Toft, Ryan Moutrie, Jacob Moutrie, Tyler Clarke, Baily Schara & Samantha Schara, as well as a sister, Eva Moutrie, sister-in-law, Mary Moutrie, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Babe and Gwenna and brother Chet.

That big hat, big belt buckle and big personality will live on for eternity.