Clifford Neal

Clifford Julius "Bud" Neal, 92, died peacefully at 1:25 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2018 at his residence.He was born in Pawnee, Il, on July 15, 1926, and was the last surviving of four children born to the late George C. and Rosa (Beck) Neal.Following in the footsteps of his father, Clifford was a lifelong farmer, and farmed in both Otter Creek and English Townships in Jersey County, along with his son and now grandsons. "Bud" was a man of great integrity,loyalty and devotion to his family, and  was very active and afforded himself to many activities and causes.  He was a longtime and loyal member of the Hope Lutheran Church in Jerseyville, a member of the Jersey County Farm Bureau, and was currently serving on the board of theJerseyville Mutual Insurance Agency.   He also, at varying times, served on the Noble Cemetery Board, Otter Creek Township Fire Board, Hamilton Primary School Board, and formerly served as a Otter Creek Township Trustee.Although farming was his passion, "Bud" also enjoyed many other activities such as hunting and fishing in his younger years, playing cards, camping with their loyal group of friends, and of course he and Vera's daily trips into town  for lunch at Hardees, where he was able to visit and solve most of the worlds troubles with their group of friends.He married the former Vera Lee Dabbs on June 18, 1949 in Jerseyville, and together they have been blessed with 69 years and two wonderful children, as well as grandchildren.Surviving are his wife, Vera Neal of Jerseyville; a daughter and son in-law,  Karen and Jeff Brinkman ofJerseyville; a son and daughter in-law, Randy and Mary Neal of Jerseyville; six grandchildren and their spouses, Michael Williamson of Clarksville, Tn., Kristin and Otis Rodriguez of Clarksville, Tn., Heidi O'Nealof Jerseyville, Georgia Hansen of White Hall, Josh and Nicole Neal of Jerseyville, and Amber and Nathan Wilson of Jerseyville; 13 Great Grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Louis G. Neal; and two sisters, Edith Turner and Lillian Blasa.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Hope Lutheran Church in Jerseyville.Burial will take place in the Noble Cemetery in Otterville.Memorials may be given to the Hope Lutheran Church in Jerseyville.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home