Roll Call Tribute

John Kenneth Neal
December 22, 1939 - April 17, 2021

John Kenneth Neal went to be with the Lord on April 17, 2021, at the age of 81. He was born on December 22, 1939 in San Antonio, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Neal, Jr. and Clara Etta Neal; uncle, Allee A. Neal and aunt, Ethel Denny Oliver. John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jo Ann Neal; children, Glen Ray Neal and Dana Lynn Stevenson (J.J.); 2 grandchildren, Conner Lee Stevenson and Chase Kenneth Stevenson; siblings, Jane Paul (Frank), Linda Safir (Sam), Loretta Neal and Ray Eugene Neal '66; nephews and niece, Mike Paul '95, Lana Neal, Derrick Neal and David Safir, and other extended family members and friends.

Upon graduation from Texas A&M in 1961, John received his commission in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, where he served in Giessen, Germany, for two years. In March of 1964, he was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant and then served four years in the United States Army Reserves.

He had several careers: he was an engineer at Newell Salvage and a salesman at Girard Machinery selling heavy equipment. He spent the majority of his career as an Aerospace Engineer at Kelly AFB. However, before this time, he worked at Neal’s Auto Parts, a salvage yard owned by his dad and Uncle Al Neal. He often said that his time spent working with his dad and uncle was one of his most enjoyable experiences.

John had a great love for God, country, and family. His goal was to instill honesty, integrity, loyalty, and the importance of humility in all his family members. He was incredibly proud of his two grandsons.

He loved all of God’s creatures, especially birds, and he knew the names of most of them. He was very close to his brother, Ray, and sisters, Jane, Loretta, and Linda. Until recently, they all met every week for years to go on outings to different parks or hiking trails, where they would either picnic, go to lunch, or just visit. These times were precious to him.

John enjoyed classic cars and often attended stock car races at San Antonio Speedway and classic car auctions and shows with his son Glen. He also loved watching the Aggie games in person or on TV. Every time he heard the Aggie band play at halftime, his eyes welled up with tears of pride.

John was loved by many. He will be missed tremendously. We are comforted that he no longer suffers and is in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior in Heaven. We are comforted to know we will meet again someday.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 24, 2021 starting at 10:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

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