NEAL CREIGHTON
General Creighton passed peacefully on September 15, 2020 holding his wife Joan's hand, and left his family and friends behind to reunite in heaven. Neal attended Sullivan's Preparatory School in Washington, DC and entered West Point with the class of 1953.
Following graduation from West Point, Neal served 31 years in the US Army, rising to the rank of Major General. He commanded units from platoon to division, including command of an Armored Cavalry Squadron in Vietnam in 1968 and the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley in 1982-84. Neal received numerous military decorations, including seven for valor, one of which was the Silver Star. In 2005, the West Point Association of Gradates designated him a Distinguished Graduate.
From August 9, 2004 to May 31, 2005, Neal served as the first Campaign Director of the fund-raising effort to build the National Museum of the United States Army. This museum is scheduled to open in 2020 at Ft. Belvoir.
Neal was a great patriot and leader of soldiers, but most of all, he was a husband and a father. He lived his life loving his family and passed with great memories and no unfulfilled dreams. Services private.

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Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for NEAL CREIGHTON

12 Entries

John Seitz

September 21, 2022

I was fortunate to be the Chief, Readiness Group Fort Riley during General Creighton's command of the Big Red One. He treated me like one of his brigade commanders and convinced me to become his Deputy Post Commander. Unfortunately, while I was attending the Installation Management Course, the 1st Division changed command and I missed the opportunity to work for General Creighton. That remains one of my regrets for the missed opportunity to work for a commander that I admired and respected. Every time I drive past Summerall Hall where the division headquarters was located, I think fondly of my time serving as a tenant commander during Neal's command of the Big Red One and Fort Riley. General Creighton was the best--a soldier, leader and friend.

Dennis & Fran Nolan

Planted Trees

Art Cyr

June 14, 2021

On several Saturdays, my wife and I took our three very young sons to Cantigny where Neal provided detailed tours of the First Division Museum and grounds, including valuable - and valid - history lessons. He did this despite the heavy demands of leading the Museum and McCormick Foundation. When oldest son David joined the Marine Corps, Neal and Dick Behrenhausen hosted us for a wonderful lunch. Their instruction, insights and inspiration were just what we needed.
Neal was a fine, engaged board member of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations. He invariably did his homework, asked informed, probing, sometimes tough questions. A fine soldier, fine executive, fine man.

Kent Kapitan and Susan Worley

Planted Trees

COL (Ret) John Seitz

October 4, 2020

I was fortunate to have served at Fort Riley when Neal was the CG of the Big Red One. He and Joan were good friends of my Dad, Andy, and Uncle, Dick Seitz. Neal spoiled my Dad and there is a picture of Neal, Tom McHugh and my Dad after a 1st Division review in my Dad's honor that I will always remember. Neal was a good Big Red One leader who set high standards and demonstrated them by his own life. He will be missed all who had the opportunity to know him. Duty First! J Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joan and his family. John Seitz

Linda Peterson

October 4, 2020

I want to thank Neal for taking care of our country with HONOR; LOVE AND PRIDE. Because of Neal's service to our country; and for all of our men and women who are taking care of our country; we can all live our lives in freedom. God bless you Neal for everything you have done for our country. ALL OF OUR VETERANS ARE OUR HEROES FOR OUR COUNTRY.

Vivian Vahlberg and Richard Gordon

October 1, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to Joann and the family. Neal was such a fine man and a wonderful and visionary leader for the Foundation. I was privileged to work under his leadership; he taught me so much. A favorite memory is how pleased he was to get former President Jimmy Carter to Cantigny to speak at a military-media conference, with top journalists, generals and admirals. He was always right at home with even the highest ranking of officials. He will be greatly missed.

Vivian Vahlberg

Planted Trees

Dave Anderson

September 28, 2020

I had the great pleasure of working for Gen. Creighton at Cantigny Park and the McCormick Foundation. One memory that stands out for me that I think epitomized his leadership. He had a meeting in his office with VA Secretary Jesse Brown and several of his staff because of Gen. Creighton’s dedication to our veterans. Immediately after the meeting he went to get himself another cup of coffee and stopped at the desk of a high school intern who started a few days earlier and Gen. Creighton hadn’t yet had the chance to introduce himself and have a conversation about the young man’s future and how he could help. Equally comfortable with and interested in, a Cabinet Secretary and high school student.
Rest In Peace, Sir.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

DEBRA TAGLIAFERRO

Sent Flowers

Robert & Debra Tagliaferro

September 26, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Neal Creighton Jr.

September 24, 2020

I thought I would share a letter that I wrote to my father, Neal Creighton, after his health started to diminish. I think it gives a view into my Dad. He always led our family with hope.

Dear Dad:

I wanted you to know how much I am thinking about you this Fathers’ Day and how grateful I am to be your son. I know you are suffering, and it is hard to think about happier times. God loves you very much and will always be with you. I know that no matter how hard these times are, God will restore you and return your strength and youth as he comforts you. I want you to know that we will all be ok in life – you raised us very well and we will look after each other and Mom. Like any family, we have had our differences, but we all love each other and will take good care of Mom and our siblings. I know how much you care about and love our family. I also want to say thank you for being such a great father and role model to all your children. I have so many great memories growing up so I thought I would list a few below:

I remember that you attended every sporting event, and I would always feel great that you were there even coaching me in football or handing out the trophy. I remember you encouraging me to never quit and enrolled me in team sports so I could learn to compete and work with others – but most importantly to never give up. This served me well in life at West Point, Ranger School, Desert Storm and all the business adversity in life. In these things, I never quit and led a much richer life because of you. Thank you for teaching me.

I remember all the family vacations and ski trips. Those trips were some of the best times of my life. Even when you lost me on top of a mountain, I had fun and many stories to share with my children. Through these vacations, I learned the importance of family, and that life is more about the experience than anything you possess. Because of these trips, I take my girls skiing every year and on vacations to spend time with them to experience and love life. These things are more meaningful than accomplishments, work, or what we own. I want to thank you for showing me how to be a father.

I always remember your infectious laugh and sense of humor. I could often hear you laughing loudly in the house or with family and friends. Whenever someone made fun of a general officer you found that particularly funny in Forest Gump. From you, I learned to not take myself too seriously. Many times, I forget this, then I think of you and regain my sense of humor and understanding of what is important in life. Thank you for teaching me perspective.

I remember your humility. You never bragged about your own accomplishments to anyone. Once while on vacation, I remember you sitting down at a bar with a group of soldiers. After a long conversation you got up to leave and they said, "goodnight Sergeant," and you left saying goodnight and not mentioning that you were a General. I think about this often as I struggle with pride. We are all more in God's image when we are humble. The best people on this earth give credit to others and enrich peoples' lives more than their own. Whenever I feel prideful, I think of you – the man I want to be. Thank you for teaching me humility.

I always remember that you were and are a great and devoted husband to the woman you love. I have thought a lot as I age about the example you have set as a husband – there you are - the man I want to be. Thank you for demonstrating the devotion and love I need to show to my wife. Thank you for teaching me how to be a husband.

I miss you as I am writing this letter. I want to hug you and tell you how much I love you and I wish some way I could comfort you. You are in my prayers every night and in my heart always.. Your Son.

Response from Dad:

Neal:

Many thanks for your wonderful Fathers' Day message. I am very thankful to have such a great family that has given me so much in return. I share the memories of our times together in the past and only wish that our final years are as productive. Be assured that your mother continues to take good care of me.

DAD