Alfred Robert Teal

Alfred Robert (Bob) Teal passed away Jan. 20, 2016, at home at the age of 94, following a lingering illness.

He was born to Cyrus Henry Teal and Hattie Elinore (Schmidt) Teal on July 27, 1921, at the home of his grandmother, Lauretta (Perry) Teal, on Malcolm Street in Walla Walla.

In 1926, his family moved to Camas, Wash., for a brief time, returning to Walla Walla in 1932. He attended Green Park School and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1941. While in school he especially enjoyed his participation in ROTC and earned the rank of sergeant.

In 1942, Bob met Doris Irene (Zorb), who was employed at the Marcus Whitman dining room and coffee shop. The couple married in her home town of St. John, Wash., in 1943. Their union produced four children, Robert William (Bob) Teal, Barbara Louise Teal, Wanda LeRae Teal and Alfred Lee (Spike) Teal.

The young couple lived in Milton-Freewater for four years. Then, following in his father’s footsteps, they moved to Clyde, where he worked nine years at Melvin Anderson Ranch. His electrical career followed, involving four Walla Walla businesses, Campbell Electric, J.G. Rust Electric, Valenscin Electric and Walla Walla Electric.

His first nephew, Bob Stimmel, could not pronounce his name, so Bob became “Bomb.” Eventually “Bomb” became “Bombshell,” which he was called for many years by family.

Bob was faithful to read his Bible daily and was a real prayer warrior. He served many years on the First Assembly Church board. He enjoyed singing tenor in the church choir, and taught junior aged boys Sunday School class for many years. His teaching stretched beyond the classroom as he often spent time fishing with the boys. He also shared his electrical expertise with the church when projects came up.

From his young years, Bob was a passionate fisherman and hunter. His sons, grandsons and greatgrandchildren were delighted to listen to the stories. Better yet, was the opportunity to jump in the boat with a fishing pole or wander through the fields looking for a good set of antlers. Bob was an avid gardener. His crops were always more than plenty and he happily shared with everyone. One summer he harvested over 100 butternut squash. Those who spent any time with Bob, knew he always had a joke or story to tell.

He also had his own label or description for many everyday things. “The Teal Dictionary” is a collection of verbiage from the mouth of Bob Teal that was created by Jon Zak, a grandson.
Bob had materials in his shop to create anything you needed. He helped a grandson build a dog run; his brother Jerry helped him build a storage shed for a daughter; helped his son build a home and bunny run to name a few. He made many fishing sinkers and shared them. Father and son hand shoveled a basement under the house they lived in. If you needed something fixed you better be sure he understood what you wanted, because you could never take it apart.

Animals had a special place in Bob’s heart. He could remember the names of all his childhood dogs, as well as many stories about each. The acreage at his home in Walla Walla housed horses, cows, pigs, dogs and cats. To the pleasure of many grandkids and greatgrandkids, the nearby creek was home to many frogs and crawdads, providing hours of entertainment.
Bob is survived by his wife of 72 years, Doris; his four children, Barb and Russ Knopp, Bob and Debbie Teal, LeRae and Steve Templeton, Spike and Debbie Teal; his sister, Wanda Stimmel; his brother, Jerry Teal; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Novella Allen, Dora Schluter and Ruth Smith; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family burial will be held at Blue Mountain Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at First Assembly of God Church on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Center or Hospice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.