NEAL

Robert A. Neal, 97, of Sparta, IL; born on March 16, 1922 in Marissa, IL; passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the Sparta Community Hospital in Sparta, IL.

Bob was a United States Air Force Veteran. He was drafted and volunteered to join the unit known as the “Flying Tigers”, and he was the last living “Flying Tiger”. He served his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Sparta American Legion and the Sparta VFW. Bob loved to be outdoors in the sun after working inside all day. He had an enormous sweet tooth and often was caught with his hand in the candy jar. Bob and Marj enjoyed camping with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife – Marjorie, nee Hood, Neal whom passed away on June 27, 2014. Parents – John and Ora, nee Candler, Neal. Brothers – Jack and Norman Neal.

He is survived by his son – John Michael (Kathy) Neal, Sr. of Columbia, IL. Three Grandchildren – John Michael (Renee) Neal, Jr. of Chester, IL; Elizabethe (Russ) Rader of Chester, IL; Laura (Mark) Oberkfell of Columbia, IL. Nine Great Grandchildren – Dillon, Damion, Derek, Dominic and Devin Neal all of Chester, IL; Katelyn and Lucas Rader of Chester, IL; Declan and Otto Oberkfell of Columbia, IL. One Sister – Mary Alice Gerlach of Sparta, IL. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Siteman Cancer Center.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.

Visitation: Friends may call at the First United Methodist Church in Sparta, IL on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 10:00am to 12:00 noon.

Funeral: Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Sparta, IL on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 12:00 noon with Pastor Jerry Haley officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements

1. Sharon (Weilmuenster) Sommer says:

   09/25/2019 at 12:52 pm

   Mike, I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Both he and your mom are remembered as such kind, caring and wonderful people. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

   Reply
2. Melina says:

   09/06/2019 at 12:37 pm

   We will miss you dearly, Bob! I’ll forever miss hearing “ lets go outside “ and you always asking for something sweet! I’m so glad I got to meet and care for you although it wasn’t long enough! I’m forever greatful!!

   Reply
   • Bob Moffat says:

     09/12/2019 at 8:41 pm

     Mike and Kathy,
     We are sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I shall always remember him for his kind, easygoing manner.
     We will be keeping the family in thought and prayer.
     Bob (Andy) and Cathi Moffat

     Reply
3. Rachel (Bahre) Chapman says:

   09/05/2019 at 4:04 pm

   Deepest Sympathy for the passing of Bob. He and Marj were both such wonderful people.

   Reply