Judge Alvin H. Maeys, Jr., 87, died Oct. 27, 2015,  at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, following a brief illness.

He was born April 14, 1928, in Maeystown, son of the late Alvin H. Maeys, Sr. and Anna Maeys (nee Hirsch)
At a young age Alvin’s family moved to Columbia, where he was a life-long resident. He only spoke German until the age of 5, when he then attended school and learned English as his second language.

In high school he attended Western Military Academy in Illinois, there he was a proficient baseball player. He went to Dennison University in Ohio, where he continued to be a top ball player being watched by the scouts for pro ball. Unfortunately a career as a pro ball player eluded him, upon graduation he was called to serve in the Army during the Korean War.

After his tour, he went to Saint Louis University Law School. Upon graduation he practiced law in Columbia until a spot for circuit judge opened up and he was appointed to the bench as the youngest judge ever.

Alvin enjoyed golf, winning many tournaments over the years, and was Waterloo Country Club Champ. He prided himself on the fact he could keep the court docket up to date by trying cases in the morning and then heading to the golf course most afternoons.

He was also an avid trout fisherman and loved making his own flies.

He was a 65-year member of the American Legion and a 60-year member of the Illinois Bar Association.

Surviving are his children, Karin P. (Michael) Maeys-Oppeau of Moscow Mills, Mo., and Alvin H. (Shelley) Maeys, III; grandchildren Nathan and Miranda; and other relatives and friends.
Alvin was preceded in death by his brother William Maeys, who died very young from rheumatic fever; his sister Jean Marie Maeys; and his parents.

Alvin requested no traditional funeral or memorial service be conducted.

To celebrate his life please join family and friends by having a beer at Tiny’s Bar and Grill in Columbia, on Nov. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to: Columbia Agriscience Assn., 81 Stoneridge Ct., Moscow Mills, MO 63362.