WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Alvia Alliston Hafer, 87, husband of Jean Hovey Hafer for 64 years, passed away Nov. 4, 2011, after declining health.
Born in Sturgis, he was a son of Charlie and Mable Hafer. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1942 and was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1946. He served six years in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre. After his military service, he was employed at General Electric in the gas turbine division for 35 years. After many job assignments with GE across the United States, he was part of the planning and construction group for the GE gas turbine plant in Greenville.
He earned a master’s degree at State University of New York and a doctorate of education at Clemson University.
After retiring from GE, he formed an occupational company, Career Counselor Services, a ministry for 15 years. Mr. Hafer was a member of Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church.
He was a lifelong French horn player and won many awards and commendations. His high school French horn quartet was the beginning of many years of playing with various bands and orchestras. His last concert was with Greenville Concert Band this September.
Survivors include his wife, Jean; his sister, Elizabeth Greenwalt; his daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Joe McGinnis; two sons and daughters-in-law, Lance and Margaret, and Scott and Julie; five grandchildren, Laura Hafer Falzon (Nick), Ashley, Austin, Caroline Hafer and Katherine McGinnis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.
Private interment was Monday, with a memorial service at 1 p.m. today at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Miracle Hill Ministries.
