Thomas Neel LeMond

Thomas Neel LeMond

Abilene, TX

Thomas Neel LeMond, 75, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at a local medical center. Funeral services will be 3:30p.m., Friday, March 7, 2014 at Southwest Drive Community United Methodist Church with burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6 to 8p.m. at the funeral home.

Thomas Neel LeMond was born May 21, 1938 in Quanah, Texas to Agnes Annie Bethany and Reverend Claude Rankin LeMond. Neel had one sibling, Claude Alfred LeMond. His father, mother and brother all preceded him in death.

Thomas was affectionately known by many names. His mom at times would call him Neely, friends called him Coach, and nieces and nephews called him Uncle Neel.

Neel took great pride in his family at McMurry University. Although he wasn't a student or a teacher, he was part of the campus life at McMurry. He loved assisting the Coaches and becoming friends with many of the students there. He also faithfully attended McMurry Chapel throughout the years and playing his guitar with the student praise band. In his younger years, he would stay all day on the campus, except at lunch and dinner time. After he ate, he would go back on campus and stay till dark. He did not want to miss anything.

Coach Neel positively impacted the lives of thousands of McMurry students during his more than 50 years on the campus. At Homecoming each year, alums from all generations would recognize and visit with Coach Neel. His father and brother both went to McMurry University and it was only natural that he would follow in their footsteps. He was a truly dedicated fan. He took pride in never missing a football game. When there were away games, he would tune in his radio and cheer his team on. You could hear his excitement throughout the whole house as he was jumping up and down and yelling, "Go! Go! Go! Now that's the way it's done!"

He believed in education. His newest quest was to obtain his Master's Degree in teaching from McMurry University. If visiting with him, he would tell you he was sitting in and auditing different classes. He was also assisting the professor's in teaching some classes. He was going to get his Master's Degree and teach at McMurry University.

In the family, we all recognized that Neel was special; he had his own ways of doing things and carried a strong dedicated committed attitude. He always was supportive and encouraging to others. He loved his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed holding them and telling them stories. As the children grew, he loved playing Cowboys and Indians with his nephew. At times they would have "shoot outs" and Neel would always let him win. With the nieces, he would play "dolls" with them. He would also pull the girls around in their wagon, gingerly and carefully. He recognized the importance of the cargo he was carrying. At night, he would have to kiss the babies good night. And believe me, there was no stopping him on this task. Even if they were sleeping, he had to get that goodnight kiss in. There was no taking "no" for an answer. It was his policy. Neel had several policies and this was one you did not want to challenge.

He was a loving gentle person. He loved people. He never saw a negative side to anyone. If he could, he would have given them his shirt off his back. There were times he would even forgo his last bit change to someone if he thought they needed it. He was a dreamer. He believed in himself and never took no for an answer. In his struggle to be one of the ordinary guys, his imagination would take flight and he would be a bus driver, coach, doctor, radio announcer, and teacher. His dream would take hold and he would become whatever he aspired to be.

Neel lived at Highland Assisted Living in Abilene. While living at Highland, Neel made several friends, close friends. He viewed several of his fellow house mates and the staff as family. He loved them all. At times, Neel did become a challenge for the staff. You see, he never thought of himself as a senior citizen. He was young at heart and he acted accordingly even if it was not in his best interest. He was going to do what he wanted to do. He wanted to keep on going, just like the commercial with the rabbit and the ever ready battery. The word "no" was not acceptable.

Being the son of a Methodist Minister, Neel took hold and rooted into his family's faith. He was very devoted and never missed Church unless circumstances such as an illness intervened and kept him away. He loved to teach Sunday school. I had the opportunity to attend one of his classes. It was short and straight to the point. He read a passage from the Bible and talked about what it meant to him and then asked us our thoughts. Neel loved his Church. He loved going there and partaking in the various services and activities at the Church. He felt especially connected to this Church because it was the Church wherein his father was Pastor many years ago. Although the Church had changed its name from Fairmont United Methodist Church to Southwest Drive Community United Methodist Church, it was his home, his Church. It was his connection to his earthly family and his heavenly family. It was where his earthly father had guided him on his journey and road to Christianity and his Heavenly Father.

We were truly blessed by God to have Neel in our lives. He was a gift from God. He was called home on March 2, 2014 and is now at rest.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com.