Gary Don Neal

Gary Don Neal | May 25, 1943

Gary Don Neal was born May 25th, 1943, in Sutherland, to Donald and Geneva (Lancaster) Neal.  He grew up southwest of North Platte and lived on a farm/ranch through the 8th grade.  He loved farming and woodworking. 

They moved to Tryon, Nebraska in 1957 and he went all 4 years to McPherson County High School, and graduated in 1961.  He worked for Neal Conoco and later bought it.  He married Jeraldine (Jerry) Black in 1963.  Together, they had 3 children:  Trenton J. Neal, Brett C. Neal and Mindy Jo Neal.  They loved to camp, fish, and mostly travel the US, including Alaska. 

During their years in Tryon, Gary and Jerry raised their family, grew their business, were very involved in the Methodist Church and their kids’ activities, and made many lifelong friends.

In 1993, Gary and Jerry expanded their business and bought a second service station in North Platte.  They built their current home in North Platte in 1996 and continued to be actively involved in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives, serving in various roles at the Methodist church, making crafts together (Gary loved woodworking and carving), making friends and traveling across the United States on many amazing trips in their motor home. Together, Gary and Jerry shared a beautiful marriage and life for over 62 years.   

Gary, alongside Jerry, accepted Christ as his Savior during an alter call at a weekend retreat in the early 70’s.  He belonged to the Methodist church for over 61 years and had tremendous love from, and for, his savior and his family. 

Gary loved music from an early age. He didn’t like being in the spotlight, but loved singing harmony, and he played bass guitar in a band for several years with Art Daly and the Buckaroos.  

Gary was known for being easy going and hard working. He was a creative entrepreneur who was not afraid to take a risk and try something new.  That ranged from new business ventures to taking up golf, to driving their motor home all across the US.  He could fix anything… always helping others and teaching his kids and grandkids how to fix vehicles, make home repairs, and keep a beautiful yard.  He was someone whom others knew they could count on and trust and was often that friend or family member sought out for a helping hand or listening ear. He was always the first to notice new things and share a compliment, remember to ask about something important going on in your life, or just check to make sure you made it home ok.  

A great husband, dad, grandpa, and papa – Gary’s humor, cheerful demeanor, constant support, and unconditional love will be dearly missed. His family will be forever blessed by him.

Survivors include:  the greatest wife and friend (Gary’s written words) Jerry; sister, Donna; children, Trent (Sheila) Neal, Brett (Cindy) Neal and Mindy (Brian) Hope; grandchildren, Kristin (Chris) Chance, Keaton (Harley) Hope, Kameron Hope, Kyon Neal and Garrett Neal; 5 great grandchildren, Kaylee, Cooper, Kortney, Faithlynn and Jaxton; brother and sisters-in-law, Diane Nielsen, Susan Crapo and Edd Black; plus many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Don and Geneva Neal; father-in-law, Orval Black; brothers and sisters-in-law, Brozy and Renee Wilkins, Dale and Joanne Jennings, Darwin and Janis Nielsen, Shelly Arensdorf, Beth Erbar, Jodeen Caroll and Larry Campbell; nephew, Troy Whited; and granddaughters, Kylee and Kelsey Neal. 

Memorials given will be designated to a cause by the family at a future date.  Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte with Reverend Mike Evans as officiant.  Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery in Tryon, NE.  Visitation is Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 12 PM to 7 PM with family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.  The service will be livestreamed at www.adamsswanson.com following the conclusion of Gary’s obituary.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.