In Memory Of
Gerald Gene Neel
1938
2023
Gerald Gene Neel
June 29, 1938 — August 18, 2023
Gerald Gene Neel (Gerry) passed away at the age of 85 in Lakewood, Colorado on Friday, August 18, 2023 after a lengthy illness. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. His life will be celebrated first in a private gathering of immediate family members and later in a public military ceremony on a date to be announced.
Gerald was born at home on June 29, 1938, in a rural area in Lamb County on the high plains of West Texas. He was one of five children born to Otis and Athelea Neel – DeWayne, Gerald, Paula, Kay, and Dale. He graduated from Bula High School in 1956 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in math education at West Texas State College and a master's degree in administration at Colorado University.
After serving an active duty tour in the Army at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, he taught in public schools in Texas and Colorado. Later he served as principal in Jefferson County at Golden Jr. High, Manning Jr. High, and Drake Jr. High. He spent about thirty years in ROTC and in the Texas and Colorado Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Upon retirement from education and the military, he served about 20 years as a church administrator.
He was married to Lawanda Wheeler Neel for 63 years. This union welcomed two children – D'Lynn Anderson (Don) and Todd Neel (Shannon). He loved his role as grandfather to Nathan Anderson (Ashley), Elizabeth Anderson Nagi (Graham), Caleb Neel, Kimmy Neel, and James Neel.
Gerry enjoyed participating in and watching all kinds of sports, but his passion was traveling all over the world. He visited all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries. He also enjoyed playing bridge and serving in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study.
Your remembrances and condolences will be appreciated by the family.
Gerald was born at home on June 29, 1938, in a rural area in Lamb County on the high plains of West Texas. He was one of five children born to Otis and Athelea Neel – DeWayne, Gerald, Paula, Kay, and Dale. He graduated from Bula High School in 1956 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in math education at West Texas State College and a master's degree in administration at Colorado University.
After serving an active duty tour in the Army at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, he taught in public schools in Texas and Colorado. Later he served as principal in Jefferson County at Golden Jr. High, Manning Jr. High, and Drake Jr. High. He spent about thirty years in ROTC and in the Texas and Colorado Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Upon retirement from education and the military, he served about 20 years as a church administrator.
He was married to Lawanda Wheeler Neel for 63 years. This union welcomed two children – D'Lynn Anderson (Don) and Todd Neel (Shannon). He loved his role as grandfather to Nathan Anderson (Ashley), Elizabeth Anderson Nagi (Graham), Caleb Neel, Kimmy Neel, and James Neel.
Gerry enjoyed participating in and watching all kinds of sports, but his passion was traveling all over the world. He visited all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries. He also enjoyed playing bridge and serving in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study.
Your remembrances and condolences will be appreciated by the family.
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