B.r. "Russ" Neathery

1917 - 2013

B.r. "Russ" Neathery obituary, 1917-2013, Evansville, IN

BORN

1917

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Pierre Funeral Home

2601 West Franklin Street

Evansville, Indiana

B.r. Neathery Obituary

B.R. 'Russ' Neathery
Evansville, Ind.
B.R. "Russ" (Uncle Ray) Neathery, of Evansville, Ind., joined his beloved wife, Helen, at 2 a.m. Monday morning. He left this earth in peace from his home in time to make it to the heavenly alter for their 64th wedding anniversary, which is today August 29.
Born December 1, 1917, one of seven brothers and sisters, Russ started in the bowling business in 1945 in Henderson after returning home from World War II.
Russ and Helen purchased Franklin Lanes on Evansville's West Side from Joe O'Daniel and Kenny Kent. The couple owned and operated the lanes from 1956 to 1985, building it into the most bowled upon 20-lane house in the United States. After retiring, they sold the business to life-long friends, David King and Walt Hatcher.
He was president of the Evansville Bowling Proprietors several times, was president of Indiana Bowling Proprietors two terms, and a nationally known member of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America for 30 years, serving on numerous committees. He was inducted into the Evansville Bowling Hall of fame in 1982.
An avid sportsman, Russ was the first Evansville bowler to average 200 for a season in 1954, bowled a 300 game (back in the day when it was a near impossible accomplishment), and won the State Doubles Championship with Jim "Spider" Vaughn in 1962. On the golf course he had at least one hole-in-one and shot his age numerous times well into his late 80's.
Russ was a staunch University of Kentucky fan.
He was a navy veteran, serving in the pacific fleet, a member of the West Side Optimist Club, VFW post 1114, the Evansville Kennel Club, and the Evansville Country Club. He was also a proud Kentucky Colonel, following in the footsteps of his father, the honorable Reverend O.T. Neathery.
A devout Christian soul, Russ was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Evansville and the Petrie Memorial United Methodist Church in his hometown of Elkton, Ky.
He is survived by nieces, Rosemary Berry and Joyce Mann; nephews, Tilford Neathery, Billy T. Reiley and Gregory Oreskovich, and their families, including his two loving "grandchildren" Gabriel Ray and Lukas Oreskovich.
The family would like to acknowledge a loving thank you to his Guardian Angel Beryl Ashby, her husband, Don Ashby and granddaughter, Michelle Hamer who cared for Russ for 17 years and helped him keep his promise to his wife, Helen, to never leave her side until death do they part. Also to Kalah Street for bringing joy, laughter and the Love of Christ into his life and heart. And fellow Optimist, Ed Derringe, for remaining until the last days - in true Optimist fashion - a devoted friend.
The family also extends their deepest gratitude to his dedicated Home Instead caregiver team, in particular Chester, Sue M, Beccy, Ruth, Laura, Jason and Michael, who maintained his comfort with unequaled care and compassion and lots of foot rubs. God bless each and every one of you.
A Memorial Service is planned for October 11, 2013, at Pierre Funeral Home on West Franklin Street. In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Uncle Ray's life dedicated to Evansville's youth, through his youth bowling programs, the Optimist Club friends of youth, the funding of two USI scholarships and other services committed to instilling values in young people across the area, please make contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville.

Published by Courier Press on Aug. 29, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for B.r. Neathery

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

To the Neathery Family, my condolences. Russ was one of the nicest man I have ever known. I moved to Indiana to manage the Meadows Bowl in the late 60's and became involved in the state proprietors and served with Russ on numerous committees. I, to was a president of the association. Russ was always there to help anytime anyone needed help. A nicer gentleman I have never met. The world and the bowlers have lost a great man. Marlin Milligan

Marlin Milligan

August 30, 2013

As a young bowling proprietor back in the 70's and 80's,
Russ was one of my heros. He and Helen were the best.

Jerry Hindel

August 29, 2013

ON BEHALF OF THE COMRADES AND SISTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE AND OUR DEPARTED COMRADE.OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.SINCERELY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA STATE CHAPLAIN KEISTON R.HOLLOWAY

KEISTON HOLLOWAY

August 29, 2013

What a sweet and loving man. I will always remember his and Aunt Helen's kindness to me. Though they weren't really my Aunt and Uncle (I am named after Helen as my mother and her were very close friends), I was always welcome in their home and they alwasy treated me as though I were family. I remember how much they adored each other; and though I am sad for his remaining family I am soo happy they are together again and holding each other close. Much Love, Helen Peck

August 29, 2013

Rest in peace Russ. I feel so blessed to have had the chance to know you. Such a kind and gentle man and you will remain in my heart forever.

Kathy Hamer

August 28, 2013

forever in our memories, and in our hearts....enjoy your forever home in Heaven with Helen....Happy Anniversary!

Sue Meyer

August 28, 2013

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in B.r. Neathery's name

Memorial Events
for B.r. Neathery

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Pierre Funeral Home

2601 West Franklin Street , Evansville, IN 47712

How to support B.r.'s loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor B.r. Neathery's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more