Alvin "Al" Louis Novosad

Alvin Louis Novosad, 86, of Chappell Hill, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on April 21, 2026.

Born on August 2, 1939, Alvin was the son of Jerry Charles Novosad and Helen Milberger Novosad. He grew up in the Edge, Texas community and attended Bryan schools, graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1957. During his time in school, he was honored as the FFA Future Farmer of the Year, an achievement he was especially proud of. Alvin often credited his agriculture teacher, J.C. Dooley, for helping him secure a scholarship to Texas A&M University, where he studied Dairy Science.

Alvin was a proud member of the Fighting Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and graduated with the Class of 1961. After graduation, he continued to support and serve the Corps, maintaining a lifelong connection to the traditions and values it instilled in him. That same year, he received his commission as an officer in the United States Army.

He served as a Fire Control Officer for a Nike-Hercules Air Defense Missile Unit, helping defend Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1961, while working at Lilly Ice Cream Company in Bryan, Alvin met and married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Willard. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Lori, a son-in-law, Travis Thompson, and three precious grandchildren.

Al spent his entire career in the ice cream industry, a field he truly enjoyed. He worked for 20 years at Lilly Ice Cream Company in Bryan before continuing his career with Blue Bell Creameries, retiring in 2003.

Al had a lifelong love for birds and maintained an extensive collection of exotic birds and waterfowl. He was an active member of the American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, where he served on the board of directors and later as president. Al and Pat greatly enjoyed traveling together and attending bird conventions, sharing their passion with others who loved the hobby as much as they did.

Al was baptized in the Baptist church and later, alongside Pat, became a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he faithfully served as an usher, elder, and chairman. He loved his Lord and his church and lived his faith faithfully throughout his life.
Al and Pat were lifelong supporters of Texas A&M athletics and proudly rooted for their Aggies, attending many games over the years. They did nearly everything together, and those who knew them often saw them walking hand in hand, a reflection of their deep love and partnership.

Al will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was a kind, caring man who loved his family passionately. His presence brought comfort, steadiness, and warmth to those around him. The battle is won, and he now rests with his Lord and Heavenly Father.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Elaine Willard Novosad; daughter and son-in-law Lori and Travis Thompson of Brenham; grandchildren Madison Elaine Thompson Gonzales and her husband Robert Gonzales, Michael Alvin Thompson, and Macy Jane Thompson, all of Brenham; sisters-in-law and spouses Jo Ann and Jerry Anderson of Congress, Arizona, and Donna and Frank Curtis of Raymond, Maine; brother-in-law Fred Raymond Willard and his wife, Sue, of Deer Park, Texas; nephews Chris Novosad, Christopher Novosad of College Station, and Jerry Novosad, Sandra Novosad, and Morgan Novosad of Bryan; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Charles and Helen Milberger Novosad; his in-laws; his brothers Jerry Charles Novosad and Johnny Joe Novosad; and his niece, Marny Carroll Novosad West.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 12:00–7:00 PM at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Family will be present from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, Texas. Burial will take place at Wheelock Cemetery, 10577 Blackberry Lane, Hearne, TX 77859 at 2:45pm.

Pallbearers will be Chris Novosad, Jerry Novosad, Christopher Novosad, Andrew Willard, Michael Thompson, and Robert Gonzales.

A special thank you is extended for all the support from the family’s pastor and church friends, and to all the hospice workers, especially Margie, Calysa, and Delia, who lovingly assisted Al during his time of illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church of Brenham, TX.


Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.