Erik Anthony Alvarez

Erik Anthony Alvarez, AKA: E, Uncle E, Al, Alcatraz, Benny, Alvie, and many more nicknames from people who love him, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:39 a.m. after battling a rare and complicated heart issue. He was 42 years old. 

Erik was born on November 21, 1980 in Adana, Turkey on Incirlik Air Base to John Alvarez and Gina. He started out adventurous and never, ever stopped. He graduated from Bossier High School in 1999 and went on to Louisiana State University in Shreveport earning a degree in criminal justice. 

He joined the Army National Guard in 1998 before high school graduation and served as a 19 Delta Calvary Scout in Iraq from May 15, 2004 - November 15, 2005. While there, his unit was hit by an IED, losing one of their own. Erik was a Purple Heart recipient, and still has shrapnel in his body. He joined the Shreveport Police Department August 31, 2006 and served for 17 years. He was a Field Training Officer (FTO) and on Mounted Patrol. 

Erik loved animals, especially dogs, and his dog, Molle, was his baby girl. Amazingly trained, she is still so loved by everyone who knows her. 

There is no way to truly describe him in this short of a way, but all who knew him, loved him. He was his own machine in the gym, with rock hard abs; he loved a good shooting range; and his love/hate relationship with hunting was fun to watch — his Puerto Rican side hated being cold, but his focused side loved getting those bucks and hogs. If he was called for help, he would show up — no matter what time day or night. Selfless. He was an avid reader, a regular at the local movie theatre, a brown belt in Brazilian Jujitsu and Kung Fu, and the king of knowing where to get the best take-out. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a soldier, and the absolute truest of friends. 

He was preceded in death by all his grandparents: Gloria and Juan Alvarez, Raymond and Berna Galarza, and June and Allen Buffington. He is survived by: his dad, John Alvarez and wife, Stephanie; mom, Gina. Siblings: Hollie Barrington and her husband, John; Ivan Alvarez and his wife, Jacy; and Brandon Alvarez. Nephews: Moses, Ezekiel, Dawson, and Justin; and countless extended family and friends. 

Services will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 at Summer Grove Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. and his memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mighty Oaks Foundations who focus on helping veterans recover, find purpose, and move forward. https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/donate/#form