Alva Ray Teel III, 78, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, October 10, 1945, in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, IL.
Alva worked for Illinois American Water Company for over 29 years before retiring as the Superintendent of Operations. Outside of work he enjoyed many hobbies, such as earning a 1st degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate, fishing, and being a Golden Eagle member of the NRA. Alva was also a barbecue extraordinaire. He was known by family and friends for his fantastic smoked pork steaks and chicken. The love he had for his wife and family was always evident. He was the best and will be missed beyond measure.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Alva R. and Stella Marie, nee Glaus, Teel II
Surviving are his:
- Loving wife: Eleanor Teel of Belleville, IL
- Children
- Eleanor “Elise” (Stanley) Bishop of Ponte Vedra, FL
- Alva R. (Jaime) Teel IV of Belleville, IL
- Therasa (Wesley) Haynes of Belleville, IL
- Sister: Elizabeth “Betty” H. (Tom) Ninnis of Millstadt, IL
- Grandchildren
- Stanley Bishop III
- Alva R. Teel V
- Wyatt Haynes
- Zoe Haynes
- Savannah Bishop
- Nephew: Kristopher Ninnis
- Great-nieces
- Kallie and Kara
- Great-nephew: Chase
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)
Funeral: A Celebration of Life Service is pending. A Date and Time will be posted when available.
5 Comments To "Alva Ray Teel III"
#1 Comment By Charlye French On January 8, 2024 @ 8:45 pm
So sorry to hear of Papa Bear’s passing. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ed and Charlye
#2 Comment By James Alexander On January 9, 2024 @ 5:02 pm
Mr. Teel”s passing leave a big hole in the hearts of those of us who trained in karate-do with him. He guided his entire family in training and made such a contribution to the club by their presence, that they were soon dubbed Papa Bear, Mama Bear-and the children the three little bears. Their presence was always felt, and Alva’s example was like the compass directing them. He will live on in our history and our memories.
God”s Speed Alva
#3 Comment By Chuck Moore On January 10, 2024 @ 3:54 pm
God bless, he will be missed.
RIP
#4 Comment By Osceola Smith Mueller On January 15, 2024 @ 5:35 am
I went to Franklin school in Belleville with Alva, and lived about a block away, so as kids we played together. He was a very nice childhood friend. Saw him and spoke about memories at our 50 th high school reunion. So sorry to hear of his passing. Sincere sympathies to his family. Sad times. 🙏❤️
#5 Comment By Theresa Duba On January 16, 2024 @ 5:04 pm
Al you are loved and will be missed! I am blessed to have known you and your family for many years. God bless and bring you home to rejoice in His love! My prayers for comfort and peace for your the entire family!