Mearl Mcneal

Mearl Allen McNeal was born in Maxwell, Nebraska, on January 9, 1921. His parents, Clarence and Daphna (Tirrill) McNeal, later moved the family to a farm north and east of Gothenburg. He graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1940. That fall he enlisted in the Navy, where he served 6 years, 1 month, and 9 days as a Boatswain's Mate First Class. As a veteran of World War II he was active in the American Legion and served as the Commander for the VFW.

He was married to Dorothy Delores Danks from 1945 to 1961, with whom he had three children: Signe (Chris) McLoy of Cozad, Scott McNeal of St. George, Utah, and Sheryl Sullivan (Clark), also of St. George, Utah. In 1964 he married Merle Ruth Fallert Barber.

He was employed at the North Platte Post Office for 27 years, and after retiring, moved to a country home just west of Gothenburg, Nebraska. In 1998 he moved to Cozad to be near his sister, Iris Matz and brother, Leigh McNeal of Callaway.

He loved gardening, hunting, fishing and in his younger years, camping, and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lexington. Nebraska.

Mearl was preceded in death by: his parents, Clarence and Daphne Tirrill McNeal, both wives, Merle Ruth and Dorothy Dolores, his sister Donna Stevens, and son-in-law Clark Sullivan, and brothers-in-law, Delmar Matz and Bob Stevens of Eustis. He is survived by his three children, 16 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren, his brother, Leigh McNeal (Marilyn), his sister Iris Matz. Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 18 from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, Nebraska. Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, Dec. 19 at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg, Nebraska. Interment will be at 2:30 pm, Friday, Dec. 19 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. Memorials may be directed to the Family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.blasestrauser.com