Phillip Warren Neal, 72, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, following a brief illness at Majestic Care Center in Sheridan, Indiana, where he had resided for two years. Phillip was a former resident of Mt. Summit.
He was born June 24, 1948, to Sam and Phyllis (Brown) Neal in New Castle, Indiana, the third oldest of four children. He enjoyed growing up on the family farm where he helped with the goats, pigs and sheep. He and his sisters also sold vegetables from a roadside stand for many summers.
During his formative years, Phillip and his family regularly attended Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church which is still the home church for many family members. He attended elementary school at Riley and Westwood. He also attended New Castle Junior High School and was a 1966 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School. Phillip was self-employed in the scrap metal industry. One of the greatest pleasures in Phillip’s life was attending the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race for decades with his dad and brother, Randy. Additionally, Phillip enjoyed attending auctions and swap meets. Phillip confessed his need for a Savior a few years ago and recently testified to his love for Jesus. He was always grateful to hear that people were praying for him.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Shirley (Brown) Neal of Mt. Summit. They were married on December 19, 1980. Children left to cherish his memory include a son, Kevin (Tiffany) Neal of New Castle and a daughter, Brandi (Patty Stephenson) Neal of Noblesville. Additional survivors are two grandsons, Konner and Kooper and two granddaughters, Karlee and Kellen; three siblings, Greta (Art) Clevenger of Cowan, Sharon (John) Huckeby and Randy (Inga) Neal of New Castle; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Phyllis Neal; grandparents, Lon and Lucy (Shortridge) Brown and Frank and Rosie (Griffey) Neal; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Christine and James Brown along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration Gathering of Phillip’s life will be held from 2 – 4 pm on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church Family Life Center 1583 N. CR 300W, New Castle, IN. Memorial contributions may be offered to NAMI.
The family wishes to thank the exemplary staff at Majestic Care Center in Sheridan for going above and beyond in lovingly caring for Phillip. What they did for him will never be forgotten.
You may send a personal condolence to the family at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.