James Eldon Neely

Celebration of life service for Eldon Neely of Butler, Missouri will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler. Visitation prior to service 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Inurnment in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory (for funeral expenses). Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
James "Eldon" Neely, age 77 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, January 24, 2026 at his home. He was born December 29, 1948 to David Earl and Edith Marie Rhamy Neely in Gainesville, Missouri.
Eldon, one of seven children, grew up in Gainesville, Missouri where he graduated from high school. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal during the Vietnam War. After discharge Eldon worked for King Heavy Equipment Inc. in Mt. Home, Arkansas. He married Cathy Gerine Fitzpatrick on July 23, 1980 and to this union, one son was born. Eldon moved to Butler, Missouri where he was employed for Smarts Used Trucks and Parts and Napa. He started Eldon's Auto Repair and ran the business for 35 years before he retired.
Eldon was self-sufficient, resourceful and able to get anything with a motor up and running. If he came across something that needed a tool he did not have, Eldon would simply make his own. His passion for working with his hands extended from his mechanic shop to his wood shop, where he could spend hours crafting pieces of wood into masterpieces. Even after retirement from his auto shop, people would still call him and ask him for advice or if he would work on things for them. When not working in his shops, Eldon enjoyed anything having to do with the outdoors. From fishing to hunting–often taking trips to Colorado for Elk hunts. A devout and loving husband, father and grandfather, Eldon worked hard to provide a safe and warm home for his family. His journey will continue in the hearts of those who loved him and the many people he met along the way.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Cathy Neely of Butler, Missouri; granddaughter, Brianna Neely of Butler, Missouri; sister, Etheline Still of Tulsa, Oklahoma; several nephews and nieces; best friends, Ronnie High of Gainesville, Missouri and Claude Billingsley of Butler, Missouri; and three sisters-in-law, Joyce Fitzpatrick, Judy Kisner (Doug) and Shirley Fitzpatrick. Eldon was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jason; two brothers, Donald and Everett; and three sisters, Dorothy, Darlene and Eileen.