William E. Neale

William Edwin "Bill" Neale, 89, resident of Brewster Place, Topeka KS, passed away October 22, 2012, from complications of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. He was born September 19, 1923, in Rockville, MO, the son of Ralph and Viola (Steele) Neale.

Bill grew up on a farm west of Clinton, MO, and graduated from Clinton High School. He attended the University of Missouri and Washburn University and served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. On January 23, 1945, he married Marcheta McKenzie. She preceded him in death in 2006. Bill had lived in Topeka since 1945 and was a member of Masonic Lodge AM & FM 51, Topeka YMCA, SCORE – helping people "start-up" their own business, and First Congressional Church. He worked in the tire business for 42 years and retired from Goodyear as a Store Manager. Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman. Every November he joined a group of friends, along with his son, David, and hunted pheasants in western Kansas. He loved fishing and enjoyed having fish fry's for the residents at his apartment at Brewster Place. Bill enjoyed golfing as well as playing handball in his earlier years where he developed some great friendships.

Bill is survived by his son, David Neale and his wife Mary; and granddaughter, Ashley Neale all of Happy Valley, Oregon, who will miss him dearly. Along with his wife Marcheta, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Neale in 1956.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3, 2012, at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka, KS. Private inurnment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.