Alva Bryan Stem Jr., a 65-year-old man from Waco, Texas, tragically died on August 3, 2021. Stem was a devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather. He was born on August 9, 1955, and graduated from Richfield High School in 1973. Stem pursued a Bachelor's degree in Business from Tarleton State University and later married Sherry Butler, with whom he had two children, Sheena and Rex.
He retired from the City of Waco as a Supervisor of the Engineering Department and also worked as a District Land Surveyor for TxDOT.
On the day of his death, Stem was at the Rex-Plex apartment complex in Waco when he was shot twice in the abdomen by a suspect named Ent Wright, who was 76 years old. Wright had barricaded himself inside his apartment, and when SWAT and negotiators arrived, Wright came out and fired his weapon, leading to a shootout with the police. Stem was killed during this incident, and Wright was also shot and killed by the police. The incident led to nine officers being placed on administrative leave while the Texas Rangers investigated the shooting.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police have not disclosed how Stem and Wright were connected. The incident was a tragic and unexpected event that deeply affected Stem's family, friends, and the community.
Stem is remembered fondly by his loved ones for his problem-solving skills, handyman abilities, and his love for spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
