Tributes

Stephen Neal “Steve” Alwais, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and uncle entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 5, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. Steve was born in New York City on July 28, 1946 to Melvyn and Rebecca Friedman Alwais. Along with his twin brother, Howard, the family moved to San Antonio where his mother’s family was living. Steve attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Maverick Elementary, Longfellow Junior High and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1964. Steve and Howard both attended the University of Houston. After college, Steve began working for the family business, Alwais Toy Box. In the early 90’s, he changed the course for Alwais Toy Box by creating Alwais Collectible. After selling the business, Steve became a sales rep. One of his lines was Kerusso, a Christian t-shirt line. Steve spread his love of the Word of the Gospel through his t-shirt sales. He was the top salesman for the Kerusso line in the country. Steve grew up Jewish. He was a very devout Jew, attending Hebrew school, becoming Bar Mitzvah’d, attending the high holiday services from beginning to end. In 1992 he and Susan were married. Susan is an Episcopalian. The two decided to support each other in their religions. Susan attended Synagogue with Steve and Steve attended Church with Susan. In 2005, Steve accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior being baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church. Steve was on fire for God. Steve loved his family. He enjoyed being with them whether going on vacation together or just getting together for a meal. Steve also loved his church. After being baptized and confirmed, Steve served on the Vestry at St. George. During his tenure, he served as the Clerk, Junior Warden and Senior Warden. He also served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and taught a Sunday School class called Understanding the Gospel. In addition, he served on the Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas. He served on several Cursillo teams and was rector of Cursillo, “God is Good”. Steve loved serving his community. Steve served with many organizations, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boy Scouts of America (Council Commissioner and staff at Philmont Scout Reservation), KLRN (Voice of the Auction for over 30 years), and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Public Affairs Committee (Chairman). Steve is survived by his loving wife, Susan, his sons, Jerry (Shirley) Alwais, Randy (Amber) Alwais, James (Corina) Clark, and daughter, Jennifer (Greg) Kirkland as well as grandchildren, Edward (Jamie) Alwais, Alex Alwais, Rebecca Alwais, Elizabeth Kirkland, Cannon and Cara Clark. He is also survived by his twin brother, Howard, and many nieces and nephews and cousins. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Episcopal Church, 6904 West Avenue, San Antonio, Texas, with the Committal in the church garden immediately following, the Rev. Ramiro Lopez officiating. There will be a reception after the service in the Parish Hall. Please join the family as we break bread together and share stories of our lives with Steve. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts honoring Steve, to St. George Episcopal Church, San Antonio. The family would like to thank the staff at Arden Courts and the staff at Mission Hospice for their love, care and compassion during Steve’s final days. Thank you to the St. George family for embracing our family with love and gratitude for Steve’s life.

Tributes

Stephen Neal Alwais

July 28, 1946 - February 5, 2023