Clarence Merle Neal, age 92, of Flora, Illinois, and formerly of Kinmundy, passed away Friday morning, June 23, 2023, at Clay County Hospital in Flora.
Clarence was born on December 29, 1928, the son of Fenton and Goldie (Henke) Neal. He graduated from Kinmundy High School in 1946. Clarence married Velma Lou Perry on November 16, 1951, and they shared 62 wedding anniversaries.
Together, they farmed until their retirement. Clarence sold Acco Seed Corn for many years. He served on the Kinmundy-Alma School Board, Farm Bureau Board, and the Omega Township Board. Clarence was a lifetime member of the Brown Christian Church where he taught Sunday School Class and held the position of church superintendent.
Survivors of Clarence include a son, Dale Neal and wife Barbara of Salem; a daughter, Kayla Anderson and husband Michael of Flora; 6 grandchildren, Kent Neal, Tyler Mink and wife Lexi, Michael T. Anderson and wife Donna, JB Anderson and wife Marisol, Elliott Edwards, Randy Westbrook, and two individuals Clarence and Velma considered as grandchildren, Brian Henson and Kristi Malan. Clarence’s great-grandson, Max Mink, was born this year.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Velma Lou Neal; parents-in-law, Albert and Blanche Perry; a sister, Stella Mae Munds; a brother, Forrest “Bud” Neal; 2 brothers-in-law, Richard Munds and Oulrey Hanks; and a sister-in-law, Mary Neal.
A funeral ceremony will be held beginning at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Brown Christian Church in Kinmundy with Ben VanHyning officiating. Burial will follow in Phillips Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to your choice of Fur a Good Paws in Flora or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. A special thank you is extended to the family of Ken and Brian Sloan for the love and care they provided to Clarence’s family for the last several years. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
