Neal Edward Witherow

June 1, 1933 - Jan. 22, 2013
BUCHANAN - Neal Edward Witherow, age 79, of Buchanan Michigan, beloved father, grandfather and lifelong friend to many, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 22, 2013. He is survived by his four children, Toni Deal, Thomas K. (Holly) Witherow, CPA, Timothy (Paula) Witherow and Tina (Mark) Krumrie, and former wife & friend since age 15, Carol Walter. Neal is also survived by twenty grandchildren: Carl, Tonya, Tommy, Annette, Belinda, Carrie, Angela, Brandon, Jennifer, Alisa, Vanesa, Timothy, Aaron, Taylor, Michael, Raquel, Trevor, Cash, Lauren and Brooklyn, and sixteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Pearl Decker and is survived by two sisters, Rosalie Ditz of Niles MI and Patricia Peterman of Goodrich MI & brother, Joseph Witherow of Queen Creek, Arizona. Neal was born June 1, 1933 in Brookville, PA to the late Cash and Dolly (Hindeliter) Witherow. After his father's death, at the age of 3, his family moved to and he grew up in the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids, MI, the organization that serves the nation by providing housing and support for fallen veterans' families. Neal was a 1951 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and a 1956 Graduate of Western Michigan University. He also served in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant. Most know Neal as the owner and founder of Neal's Auto Parts in Buchanan, Michigan where Neal serviced the community for 49 years until his recent illness, including assisting with the start up of several Buchanan area businesses. Neal was also a member of the Granger Community Church, Granger IN. Friends may visit with the Family from 3:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Swem Funeral Home, 301 W. Front Street, Buchanan, Michigan. Funeral Services will be at the Swem Funeral Home starting at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 28, 2013 with internment at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, where military rites will be given by Post 51 American Legion. The family will also be hosting a gathering at the American Legion for all friends and family at 1:00 PM after the services. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to VFW National Home for Children, 3573 South Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To sign his guest book or leave a condolence message, please visit our web-site, www.swemchapel.com.