Albert Ira Bomchill

Albert “Al” Ira Bomchill, beloved father, grandfather, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully at age 83 from pancreatic cancer on November 3, 2025 at his home in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. Al leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Born on July 18, 1942 and raised on the north side of Chicago, Al’s childhood was filled with the warmth of family. He grew up in a loving household, where his mother Evelyn would take him to “Ladies Day” at Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play, and his father Daniel would accompany him on their monthly walks to F.W. Woolworth’s, allowing him to pick out a toy of his choice. These outings became treasured traditions.

School days brought their own adventures. Al was known for his mischievous spirit, getting in trouble for listening to the World Series on his miniature radio during class and for a memorable prank involving padlocking a schoolmate to a chair in Home Economics class.

Al was passionate about sports from a young age, both as a player and a fan, and dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. Al enjoyed watching basketball, football, hockey, and baseball, and did not care who won, as long as it was his beloved Chicago Cubs.

Al attended the University of Illinois, where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964. He began his career as an electrical engineer for the State of Illinois. Al worked on the Expressway Surveillance Project to improve traffic flow in Chicago and was credited with implementing ramp meters on the Chicago highways. Seeking new opportunities and warmer weather, Al moved to Dallas in 1967, where he joined Texas Instruments, and eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University in 1969. After working at several companies, Al co-founded his own company, Clairex Technologies, in 1993.

Throughout his life, Al cherished the simple pleasures — sitting on his balcony overlooking the lake, telling stories, watching television, playing in an online basketball league, and spending time with loved ones. He was especially proud of his children Jeff and Renee, and grandson Preston, celebrating their achievements and the joy they brought him.

Al was also proud of winning the Texas State Senior Softball Championship in 2006 and being selected to the All-Star team. He was affectionately known as “Chicken Man” by his fellow softball players and opponents because of a joke he told at the beginning of each softball season.

Al was preceded in death by his father Daniel, mother Evelyn, brother William, sister Fern, and nephew Bradley. Al is survived by and missed by his son Jeff (wife Jackie), daughter Renee, grandson Preston (fiancé Dani), former wife Alice, and partner Doris. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews who adored him dearly.

Al will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his humor and the love he shared with all who knew him. A private memorial service will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lustgarten Foundation (https://lustgarten.org/) to support breakthrough pancreatic cancer research.

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