(From Parker Mortuary)David Earl Teel, age 70, Joplin, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. David was born September 21, 1954 in Pittsburg, Kansas to the late Jesse and Elma (Kellogg) Teel.
Growing up, David was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. David graduated from Rich Hill High School with the class of 1972. After one year at the University of Missouri, he received a Congressional appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, graduating in 1977.
During his time at the Academy, David had the honor of marching in the Inaugural parade for President Jimmy Carter. He was also a member of the USMMA Regimental Glee Club who sang at the 1973 Belmont Stakes in which Secretariat won the Triple Crown. Later in life, David continued his education earning his Master’s degree.
He was an outdoorsman when his job allowed. He loved hiking, skiing, fishing and hunting deer and turkey on his property.
David worked as a merchant seaman for twenty years. Starting out as a third mate he worked his way up the ranks and obtained his Captain’s license. David had a love for the sea and life as a merchant mariner. Throughout his career, he sailed as Captain on various cargo tankers, oil tankers, and US Naval Reserve vessels. This unorthodox career provided him the opportunity to travel and see the world.
While serving as Captain on the Naval Reserve vessel USNS Capella, the ship was deployed into service at the onset of The Gulf War to transport military equipment into Saudi Arabia. The USNS Capella carried 14% of all military supplies to the Middle East during the war.
After retiring from sailing, he worked as a civilian for American Maritime Officers Union in Florida, and then with the United States Coast Guard in their Washington D.C. office until retirement. During his retirement, he enjoyed time with his two daughters, four grandkids and family. David found daily hiking as a welcome pastime in retirement. He was attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin.
He was an outdoorsman when his job allowed. He loved hiking, skiing, fishing and hunting deer and turkey on his property.
David worked as a merchant seaman for twenty years. Starting out as a third mate he worked his way up the ranks and obtained his Captain’s license. David had a love for the sea and life as a merchant mariner. Throughout his career, he sailed as Captain on various cargo tankers, oil tankers, and US Naval Reserve vessels. This unorthodox career provided him the opportunity to travel and see the world.
While serving as Captain on the Naval Reserve vessel USNS Capella, the ship was deployed into service at the onset of The Gulf War to transport military equipment into Saudi Arabia. The USNS Capella carried 14% of all military supplies to the Middle East during the war.
After retiring from sailing, he worked as a civilian for American Maritime Officers Union in Florida, and then with the United States Coast Guard in their Washington D.C. office until retirement. During his retirement, he enjoyed time with his two daughters, four grandkids and family. David found daily hiking as a welcome pastime in retirement. He was attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin.
Those left to mourn his passing include daughters, Saline Crouch (Jeremy) of Carthage and Erin Battagler (Travis) of Carl Junction; grandchildren, Connor, Oliver, Luke and Olivia; brother, Norville Teel of Golden City, Missouri; sisters, Nancy Stanley (Randy) of Parkville, Missouri and Kathleen Pinon-Hukriede of Independence, Missouri; several nieces, nephews and extended family.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Parker Mortuary Chapel, visitation to follow service.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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