Pat Leroy McNiel

Pat Leroy McNiel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and honorable veteran of the United States Army passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, at the age of 91.
Born April 21, 1933, to George and Thelma 'Billie' McNiel, Pat grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he met his wife, Dorothy Mae Jordan. Pat and Dorothy married at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, on December 5, 1952. The couple loved camping, canoeing, water skiing and playing cards with their close friends, whom they affectionately called 'the gang.'
Following his time as a demolition specialist in the Army, Pat embarked on a series of entrepreneurial ventures and later retired from the Arkansas Corps of Engineers. Throughout his life, he remained a dedicated member of his local church and community.
Pat cherished the role of family provider and caregiver, delighting in spoiling his loved ones with thoughtful gifts and playful banter. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid bargain hunter and hobby farmer. His enduring sweet tooth made desserts (sans coffee, of course) a must at every family gathering.
Pat was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dorothy Mae McNiel, his parents, sister, Priscilla 'Perk' (Robert 'Tech') Techau, and nephew, Michael 'Mike' Techau. Left to honor Pat and remember his love are sons, Gary McNiel, and Larry (Karon) McNiel; daughter chosen by love, Betty (Delmar) Pepple; three grandchildren: Justin (Heather) McNiel, Chelsey (Marlon) Louzeiro, and Cheri (Chad) Richard; two great-grandchildren: Johnathon Richard and Jenessa Richard; and nephew, Robert 'Bob' (Ann) Techau, and niece, Sharon (Jerry) DePenning.
The family will greet friends on Monday, September 23rd at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home from 5-7 PM.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 24th at 10 AM at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Rd., Hot Springs.
A burial will follow at Mazarn Chapel Cemetery, 432 Mt. Moriah Rd., Bonnerdale.