Lyell Harold Alka

Lyell Harold Alka, 78, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away on February 6, 2026 at Oakview Heights in Mt. Carmel, IL.

He was born on July 12, 1947, in Paxton, IL. He was the son of Harold and Beatrice (Joachim) Alka. Lyell married Nancy Andrews on August 18, 1977 at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Mt. Carmel, IL, and they enjoyed 48 years together.

Lyell served his country in the United States Army for three years and then worked as a farmer. He was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Mt. Carmel, IL.

He enjoyed playing softball and loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports, and any MCHS Aces sports. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and Minnesota Vikings football fan. Lyell and Nancy loved traveling; their favorite destination was Hawaii. He enjoyed cars and going to car shows, his motorcycle rallies, and loved Daytona, FL. Lyell was a member of the Elks #715, the Eagles, and the VFW in Mt. Carmel, IL, the Moose in Grayville, IL, and he was also a Mason.

Lyell is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Richard Bates of Pinckneyville, IL, Jason Alka of Mt. Carmel, IL, and Ashley (Austin) Davis of Paducah, KY; his sister Janice Alka of Mt. Carmel, IL; his grandchildren, Ben, Kirsten, Kayden, and Easton Bates, Brooklyn and Charlie Alka, and Henry and Lyla Davis; several nieces and nephews, and a very special brother-in-law Rick Andrews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, February 10. 2026, in the Chapel of Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.

Burial will follow the service at Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions for Lyell can be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies. Envelopes will be available at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com.

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Alka family.

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