Alvin L. "Al" Travelstead

Alvin Lee “Al” Travelstead, age 69 years, a resident of Marion, Illinois, passed away Friday evening, August 5, 2022, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion. Al, a native of Johnson County, resided for 30 years in Colorado before retiring to Southern Illinois. Al was born December 19, 1952 in Melrose Park, Illinois. He was the son of Alvin Eugene “Gene” Travelstead and Edna Cole (West) Travelstead. On October 20, 1979, Al was united in marriage to Dorothy Mary Ward in Warrington England. She preceded him in death on February 24, 2013. Al is survived by – a stepdaughter – Lesley M. (her husband, Steve) Ulm Warham of Stockport England; 3 sisters – Sue (her husband, Kenny) Goddard of Vienna, Donna Travelstead of Marion, and Barbara Clymore of Jonesboro; as well as a host of nieces, nephews cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Al was preceded in death by – a brother & sister-in-law – Raymond and Sue Travelstead; a sister & brother-in-law – Linda R. and John Smith; and 2 brothers-in-law – Greg Prineas and G.A. Clymore. Al was a 1970 graduate of Vienna High School. He earned an associate in applied science degree in accounting from Shawnee Community College at Ullin, Illinois. On June 29, 1972, Al entered into military service in the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam era and was stationed both in the United States and Europe. Al attained the rank of staff sergeant and was honorably discharged December 1, 1987, with 15 ½ years of service. Following his military service, Al affiliated with the American Legion and was also a member of the D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans). Al was employed as an accountant and tax preparer. He also managed a laundry business for 12 years during his residency in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Al was an avid fan of both the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals baseball teams. He was a member of County Line Baptist Church in the Flatwoods community in Johnson County. A funeral service honoring the life of Alvin Lee Travelstead will be conducted Wednesday morning, August 10, 2022, at 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother David Faulkner and Brother Kenny Burns will officiate. Burial will be in the Gilead Cemetery, near Simpson. Military graveside honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 805 West DeYoung Street, Suite B, Marion, IL 62959.

Alvin L. "Al" Travelstead

December 19, 1952 - August 5, 2022