He was born Sept. 30, 1940, in Seymore to Gerald and Ruth M. (Speer) Neel. He married Shirley A. Fisher on Dec. 28, 1968, in Elkhart.

She survives along with one son, Paul E. (Micki) Neel Jr. of Elkhart; three grandchildren; his mother of Elkhart; one brother, Gerry (Diana) Neel of Palmetto, Fla.; and two sisters, Joyce Hand of Columbus and Karen (Don) DeVore of Elkhart.

He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Malvin and Keith Neel.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., and one hour prior to Thursday's 10:30 a.m. funeral service at California Road Missionary Church, 29765 C.R. 12 W. Pastor Bud Walterhouse will officiate. Burial will follow in California Road Cemetery.

Mr. Neel worked at NIBCO for more than 25 years and was a member of California Road Missionary Church. He was an avid fisherman and a Chicago White Sox and Bears fan. He was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren, going to all the Little League games.

Memorials may be given to Prairie Camp in care of California Road Missionary Church, 29765 C.R. 12 W., Elkhart IN 46514. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.