Franklin L. Neal

(Ret.) CW3 Franklin Louis Neal (Ret.) CW3 Franklin L. Neal of Anacoco, LA, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous cancer battle. Franklin was born in Hardinville, MO on February 8, 1945, to his parents, Clifford & Bertha Neal. Franklin grew up on the White River in Georgetown, AR. At 19 years of age, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and proudly served for 22 years. Franklin served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal, among other awards. Upon retiring from the Army in 1985, Franklin attended Batesville Votech Trucking School and thus started his second career of 20+ years as a cross-country truck driver. He looked forward to being outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, and especially sitting around a campfire. Franklin loved his family with all his heart & enjoyed spending time with them. Franklin is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dorothy L. Fancher Neal, 5 children: Daughter, Helen V. Kay, husband, Mike of Anacoco, LA, Daughter, Jennifer L. Hodapp, husband, Rob of Springfield, MO, Son, Franklin W. Neal of Rosepine, LA, Daughter, Angela M. Neal of Leesville, LA, Daughter, Michelle L. Tyler, husband, Rodney of Scott, LA. Franklin was a beloved stepdad to 3 children: Tami Harris, husband, Jimmy of New Caney, TX, Dani Egan, wife, Deanna of Cushing, TX, & Pami Egan of Sellerburg, IN; 12 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren, with 3 more on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford & Bertha Neal, parents that raised him, Jesse & Dorothea White, brother, Roy Junior Neal, and his granddaughter, Meleny Lynn Kay. In addition, Franklin has many extended family & friends whom he loved, as well as the many men & women he served with during his active duty. Franklin was a true Hero, a loving husband, a phenomenal Daddy, Pawpaw, & Great Pawpaw. He will be truly missed by his family & his pets Sugar, Muffin, & Sassy. Funeral services for Franklin will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Oak Grove Congregational Methodist Church in Burr Ferry with Reverends George Jeane and Travis Kay officiating. The burial with full military honors will follow in Burr Ferry Cemetery under the direction of Jeane's Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Logan Neal, Marcus Bordelon, Gary McWilliams, Dustin McWilliams, Kyle Lawrence, and David Sutton. The honorary pallbearers will be Darian Mizgier and Rodney Tyler. A visitation will be held at Oak Grove Congregational Methodist Church on Monday, September 29th from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.