Alvin Albert Chinn

On Sunday, September 10, 2023, the Chinn family of Tulsa, Okla., bid farewell to Alvin Albert Chinn, beloved son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and accomplished geologist. Al (as he was affectionately known) was born on February 21, 1943, the youngest of four siblings, to Titus and Nancy Chinn of Siloam Springs, Ark. Alvin's life was marked by a deep commitment to his family, a passion for geology, and a love of physical activity that included cycling, snow skiing, scuba diving, and the sport he most excelled at, amateur competitive water skiing. He was insatiably curious, absorbing and sharing knowledge across topics as diverse as geological exploration, World War II, classic hot rod cars and their modern precision racing counterparts, and the elusive details of his Chinese lineage. A lifelong train enthusiast, he constructed a topographically accurate model railroad, based on an area near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, in his third-floor attic. Al loved country music, classic rock and roll, and joyous two-step dancing with his beloved wife and constant companion, Sharron. A devout hog-calling Razorback, Al earned a B.S. at Arkansas Tech, followed by an M.S. in geology at the University of Arkansas. He then proudly served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Army, where his geological expertise was put to use while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Al considered it a rare blessing that he was able to build a career in an area he valued deeply, a dream vocation as a petroleum geologist. His natural skill and unwavering devotion to his work produced great success both for him and for those working with him. Alvin always found time for the people and experiences that mattered most to him. He was a quiet, kind soul, whose generosity of spirit endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Alvin is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sharron Chinn; children, Alison (Gregg) Holcomb, Justin (Lori) Chinn, Stephen (Ellen) Huffman, Suzannah (Patrick) McGrath; grandchildren, Dashiell Holcomb, Declan Chinn, Alex Standley, Jack Standley, Alesia Kotcamp, Jason Swords, Crystal Swords; Stephen's 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers-in-law, Robert Santerre and Robert Skalla; nephews and nieces, John (Sonda) Lock, Charles (Neisa) Lock, Richard (Beth) Lock, Douglas (Lerene) Lock, Jennifer (Matt) Wise, Mike (Shelly) Harrod, and Dana (John) Ciaravino. Alvin is preceded in death by his parents, Titus and Nancy Chinn; sisters, Mary Jane Harrod and her husband Jerry Harrod, Carol Skalla, Nancy Lock and her husband Charles "Chuck" Lock; and nephew John James. To honor Alvin's life, and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him, a celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on September 18, 2023, at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service, located at 1329 East 151st St., Glenpool, Okla. 74033.