Neal Edward Sconiers

1936 - 2011

IRAAN Neal Edward Sconiers passed away on August 10th, 2011, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on April 13th, 1936, to Dewey and Elsie Sconiers in Wink, Texas. Neal married Alicia Holmes in Sheffield, Texas on August 16th, 1957. They lived happily six days shy of their 54th wedding anniversary. Neal lived the early years of his life in Wink and around Guadalupe Peak moving to Iraan in 1947. He graduated from Iraan High School in 1954. He attended Texas Tech University and later received his degree from Abilene Christian University in 1960. He furthered his education at Sul Ross State University earning a master's degree in 1970. Neal served Iraan High as a teacher, coach, and principal for 24 years. In 1984, he became a Pecos County Commissioner where he served for 12 years. While in office, his colleagues elected him president of the West Texas Judges and Commissioner's Association. Neal retired to the ranch in 1996.

Neal served as an elder of the Sheffield Church of Christ, where he and Alicia attended. He had a deep love for the church and for the Pecos River Encampment. He spent many years as a devoted caretaker preparing the grounds for the June encampment. A never ending job, Neal worked tirelessly throughout the year, doing whatever needed to be done, right up until the very last days of his life.

Neal will be forever remembered in our hearts because he touched the lives of everyone he met. He loved people and never met a stranger. He was more than a teacher and coach; he was a mentor, an encourager, and friend to anyone in need and was always willing to go the extra mile. Neal was a man with so many talents. He could build or repair anything. He loved making friends and did not have an enemy. Respecting all men, no matter what walk of life, he always had a soft spot for the under privileged, and always rooted for the underdog no matter what the situation. One of Neal's favorite pastimes was telling stories because he loved to make people laugh.

Neal was an avid golfer for most of his life, beginning in high school bringing Iraan its first State Championship in 1954. He qualified for the state golf tournament 4 years in a row, ending his high school career by becoming the state medalist his senior year. Neal's high school team was the runner up in 1951-53. That same year, his relay team qualified for the state track meet, but they were unable to compete because the golf tournament and track meet were at the same time. He also went on to coach golf at Iraan High, highlighted by winning one State Championship in 1972, and coached 3 State Medalists during his career. Playing amateur golf all over West Texas, he won tournaments in six different decades. Neal loved golf and the people he coached and competed against.

Neal is preceded in death by his father and mother, Dewey and Elsie Sconiers and one sister, Leta Pace. He is survived by his wife, Alicia; four children, Necia and husband Ridgy Graham of Iraan and their children, Shawna Seale of Midland, Christina Barton of Reform, Alabama and Jacob Graham of Iraan; John and Lee Anne Sconiers and their sons, Cain and Trent of Spring Branch; Joe and Kathy Sconiers and their daughters, Morgan and Peytan of Abilene and Sandra Sconiers of Lubbock; one sister, Velda Simon of Kermit and two brothers-in-law, Harry Holmes of Sanderson and Floyd Pace of Tyler and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Cain Sconiers, Trent Sconiers, Zane Turk, Ridgely Holifield, Jason Holifield, Loyd Ward, Rowdy Holmsley, and Kevin Grigsby.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ralph Simon, Gilbert Delgado, Jose Rios, Carl Frantz, Sparkie Sparks, Tommy Joe Holmes, Manley Holmes, Herbert Holmes, Alvin Jones, Tom Pollach, Jacob Graham, Gregg McKenzie, Jerry Larned, Dean Faulkenberry, Con Hartman, Danny Gasser, Jackie Miller, Ronnie Ward, Marty Russell, Casey Davidson, Dean Titsworth, Rick McPhaul, Jackie Miller, and members of his Iraan golf teams and fellow coaches.

Funeral services will be held at the Pecos River Encampment near Sheffield, Texas, on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 10 AM, officiated by Mac Deaver. Interment will follow at the Sheffield Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the Iraan Civic Center following the service. Memorials can be sent to the Pecos River Encampment, Box 669, Iraan, Texas.

We invite you to share your thoughts and memories with the family by visiting Neal's memorial guestbook at www.shaffer-nichols.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home.