Alva D. Phelps, 89, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Alva was born in rural Avon, Illinois, the son of Arthur E. and Lottie M. (Duncan) Phelps. He graduated from Avon High School and served in the US Army, serving in Korea for three years. He was honorably discharged on February 9, 1962.

Alva married Betty F. Parker on April 27, 1962 in Galesburg. They lived in rural Galesburg for 40 years before moving to Galesburg. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty; a son, Rodney (Nicki) Phelps of Cameron, Illinois; a daughter, Cathy Phelps of Joy, Illinois; and his beloved two granddaughters, Libby Phelps and Nora Phelps. Alva is also survived by one brother, Max (Nancy) Phelps of Avon; and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James (Dorthy) Phelps and David (Norma) Phelps; and two sisters, Carolee (John) Newman and Evelyn (Eldon) Auten. Alva loved his family and extended family deeply, enjoying many family dinners and get togethers.

He spent many hours in his workshop fixing things, changing tools to work better. Alva could build or fix just about anything and built the country home the family lived in for so many years. They enjoyed many summer vacations, camping and traveling with their children and friends. The family enjoyed many good times at their cabin and boating on the Mississippi River and with their friends at Oak Run. The family loved to take summer trips to Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. In later years, Alva and Betty would spend 4 to 6 weeks of the winter in Florida. Alva also enjoyed going to breakfast with his friends in the mornings. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Military honors will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with visitation following until 4:00 p.m. No funeral services are planned. Cremation will be accorded following visitation and private family burial of cremated remains will be at Avon Cemetery, Avon, Illinois at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.