Rhea D Jerrell

Rhea D. Jerrell "Rhea Bob", 81, departed this life on March 3, 2026, in Salina, Kansas with his family by his side. He was born December 7, 1944 in Jonesville, Virginia to Rhea Southgate Jerrell and Marie Ellen Alsup.

After dating for nine years, on March 7, 2014, he was united in marriage to Mary Huron Neal in Abilene at their home. They spent their married life in Abilene.

He graduated from Thompson High School, Thompson, Ohio. He was drafted into the US Army and served from 1968 – 1973. He re-enlisted and retired from the US Navy after serving from 1975 – 1992, a total of 22 years. After retirement, he worked for Sirloin Stockade and then retired from Bailey's Truck Line.

Rhea was a member of the Abilene Elks Lodge. He served as a Trustee for six years. He also served as Tiler and Inner Guard. His hobbies were bowling, going on family cruises, going to the casino, scratch lottery tickets and bingo. He cherished his time with his family. His grandkids and great grandkids were his world.

He was a kind, friendly, generous man, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary of the home; three daughters – Karlene Feliciano of Florida, Debbie Gable (Kirk) of Abilene and Gloria Wrinkle (Jeremy) of Rich Hill, MO; four sons – Tracy Neal of Abilene, Jamie Neal (Amanda) of Enterprise, Jeremie Cordova (Kelsey) of Rich Hill, MO, and Joseph Jerrell of Junction City. He has thirteen grandchildren – Coty Riffel (Catherine), Katelin Riffel, Zach Gable (Chelsea), Boone and Cyler Wrinkle, Gabrielle Friedman (John), Devin Neal (Shelby), Sierrah Neal (Zak), Autumn Shomper (Kevin), Jaden Neal (Nicole) and Maxwell Jerrell. He also has thirteen great grandchildren – Kalleigh, Brayden, Cayden, Beckham, Brycen, Trevor, Aurora, Emerson, Andrew, Blakely, Trenton, RayLynn and Lawson. He is also survived by two sisters, Beulah Yeater and Janet Woodworth, his beloved dogs Tyson, Nikata, Clover and Maggie and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and his dog Bella.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10 am at First United Methodist Church, 601 N. Cedar, Abilene with Pastor Rebecca Stredney officiating. Family will receive friends and family Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 2-4 P.M., at the Abilene Elks Club (417 NW 4th St., Abilene, Kansas 67410).

Honorary pallbearers are Coty Riffel, Zach Gable, Devin Neal, John Friedman, Kevin Shomper, Zak Lindsey, Nicole Neal, David Hansen and Trey Jackson.