Obituary of Leslie Neal

Leslie "Gene" Neal, 74, of Willard, passed away Wednesday evening at 9:18 p.m., in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, following an extended illness. Gene was born in Marysville, Kan., and was a longtime resident Lee's Summit, Mo., and moved to Nevada, Iowa before residing in the Willard area since 1978. He was a retired journeyman lineman for Par Electric in Kansas City, retiring in 1998, after 30 years of service. He was an Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Baptist Church and held membership in the Summit Masonic Lodge #263 A.M. and F.M. of Lee's Summit, Mo. Gene Neal and Barbara Heath were united in marriage on December 1, 1962. Together they were privileged to share over 45 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Mable Schultz Neal. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; one daughter, Tammy Neal of Bois D'Arc; two sons, William Neal of Las Vegas, Nev. and Bobby Jay Neal of Raytown, Mo.; one grandson, Taylor Neal; two brothers, Jim Neal of Sinneus, Mo. and Allen Neal of Meadeville, Mo.; two sisters, Beverly Coleman of Washington, Kan. and Audrey Ronkar of Lincoln, Neb.; one aunt, Clarice Smith of Marysville, Kan.; and brother-in-law William McCown of Springfield, Mo. Services will be held on Monday, March 10, 2008, at 11 a.m., in Wilson-Brim-Daniel Chapel, Ash Grove, with Rev. Sammy Waterman officiating with Masonic services following. Interment will be in Wesley Cemetery, Willard, with full military honors under the auspices of the Missouri Military Honors "Juliet" Team of Joplin, Mo. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 9, from 3 to 4 p.m., in the funeral home.