Paul Eugene Neel

Paul Eugene Neel Jr, age 71, passed away on May 4, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 2, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, to parents Paul and Kay (Hughes) Neel.

On June 7, 1975,  Paul and Laura were united in marriage, celebrating 49 years together. Paul completed his education at Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia, Missouri before attending Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri.

Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1971-1975 and undertook four tours to Vietnam as a Torpedoman and also as his ship's rescue diver.

Growing up on his family's dairy farm in Sedalia, Missouri fostered Paul's love for farming - a passion that transitioned into later owning and operating a sheep farm. Throughout his professional life, he dedicated twenty-eight years to the Department of Corrections, worked as an operation engineer for Dow Chemical in Texas, and served as a Commercial Diver for Oceaneering Cooperation in Texas. 

Faith played a significant role in Paul's life as he also served as a minister for the Assembly of God church in Belleview, Missouri.

In his leisure time, Paul embraced various hobbies; he was an avid muscle car enthusiast who organized car shows and restored classic cars. He found joy in activities such as hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and delving into genealogy research to learn more about his Native American heritage. He authored the book, "Peanuts of the Ozark Hills". 

Paul is survived by his loving wife Laura Neel; three sons: Paul (Kacie), Michael (Renee), Joshua (Amie); two daughters: LaCrista (Jamie) Barnett and Joy (Victor) Bantay; two brothers: Frank (Janine), David (Nancy); two sisters: Angelia (William) Rawson and Tina (David) Asher; fifteen grandchildren; Amber, Angelica, Ashlyn, Brooke, Cooper, Eli, Gavin, Jacob, LaCresha, Maria, Nicholas, Oliver, Seth, Tricia and Valen; six great-grandchildren; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and aunts and uncles. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Carlyn Neel and Cindy Neel.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Adams Funeral Home in Nixa, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM, with Reverend Bruce Baker officiating. Cremation will follow by Adams Crematory.  Inurnment will take place at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield at a later date.