Neal Allison Chastain

Neal Allison Chastain SPUR-Neal Allison Chastain, 80, passed away June 3, 2012, in Lubbock, Texas. He was born on Jan. 16, 1932. Neal graduated from Spur High School and went on to graduate from Texas Tech in 1955 with a bachelor's degree in education and an MBA. While at Texas Tech, Neal met Jerre Bedford, the love of his life. They were married on July 17, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas, at First Christian Church. He started his professional career as a junior high coach at O.L. Slaton. He was also an assistant high school coach in Crosbyton and Lubbock Coronado. Neal summed up his coaching career as head coach and athletic director in Amherst, Ralls and Slaton. In 1968, Neal moved his family to Lamesa as assistant high school principal and went on to become the superintendent of Lamesa ISD for 26 years. Neal's love for the game of football was only surpassed by his love for his students and athletes. He very rarely left the house without bumping into former students who would always express their gratitude for the impact he had on their lives. Neal Chastain is survived by one son, Trip Chastain and wife Susan of Spur, and one daughter, Judy Hightower and husband Dan of San Angelo. Neal is survived by four grandchildren, Heath Hightower and wife Morgan, Holly Hightower Coffey and husband Matthew, all of Houston, Allison Chastain of Amarillo, and Michael Chastain of San Angelo. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Dawson Hightower and Warren Hightower of Houston. Neal was preceded in death by his wife, Jerre Chastain, and his parents, Neal and Christine Chastain of Spur. A memorial service for Neal Chastain will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2012, in the Spur Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Burton officiating under the direction of Campbell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to the Spur Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 111, Spur, TX 79370.