William A. Neal

William Alvin Neal, age 76, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away at his home on Monday, September 14, 2009. Bill was born on November 28, 1932 near Severance, Kansas, the son of William and Myrtle (Hegenderfer) Neal. He grew up in a farming community and attended Elementary and High School in Severance before joining the military - United States Air Force along with his brothers. After a military tour which included Europe, he attended college at the University of Maryland and later at the University of Kansas. In 1958, Bill graduated Pharmacy School from K.U. In 1957, he met and married Barbara June Welpman of Versailles, Missouri. After the birth of their second child, Bill and Barbara settled in Garnett, Kansas, where they purchased the Spradlin Rexall Drugstore. Bill owned and operated the Wm. A. Neal Rexall Pharmacy for nearly 30 years. Prior to retiring, Bill worked as a relief pharmacist throughout the state of Kansas. Bill and Barbara raised their three children, Diana, Bill and Gloria, in the community where Bill was an active member of the Garnett Rotary Club and a member of the United Methodist Church. Among his hobbies, Bill enjoyed golfing and travels with his wife and family. The family remembers Bill (Dad) as a devoted husband, father and business owner. Bill's children remember a loving father who made time with his family despite his many years of long hours running the local business. Bill and Barbara celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold Neal and Wayne Neal; and his sister Helen Grosfield, and another sister who died in infancy. He is survived by his wife Barbara Neal of the home; three children, Diana J. Willman and husband Steve, children Scott and Anne of Prairie Village; William A. Neal II and wife Leigh Anne of Fairway; Gloria L. High and husband Vaughn, children Grant, Maggie and Alex of Eudora; four brothers, George Neal of Aledo, Texas; Warren Neal of Kansas City, Missouri; Willis Neal of Castle Rock, Colorado; James Neal of Edwardsville, Kansas; two sisters, Doris White of Spring Hill, Kansas; and Frances Muller of Cleveland, Missouri. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church of Garnett. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church. You may send your condolences to the family at our website at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .