Theodore “Ted” Neal Obituary

Garnand Funeral Home

Theodore E. “Ted” Neal, age 84, died Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas.  He was born August 19, 1935, in Lamar, Colorado, the son of James Wesley and Faith (Strain) Neal.  

Ted grew up near Lamar, Colorado, until the age of 16 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corp.  After boot camp, he served in Korea and three tours in Vietnam. He was wounded twice and is one of the Walking Dead from the Enchin Valley.  After his honorable discharge, he and his family returned to Southwest Kansas. Ted married Gail N. Stewart on November 14, 1959, in San Diego, California.  Ted worked for Arthur Westeman and V.A. Lathem. He then became an owner/operator of a semi and leased to National Carriers for 27 years. He was Driver of the Year in 2000 and drove over four million miles.  Ted was currently working for Max’s Water Service of Meade, Kansas. Ted enjoyed deer hunting, gardening, yard work, barbequing, and loved visiting with family and friends. His great-granddaughter, Lily Ann, was the apple of his eye.

Ted is survived by his wife, Gail of the home; son, Shaun Neal of Weldon, California; daughter, Tammy Neal of Oroville, California ; sister, Nancy Westeman of Wichita; grandson, Brady Neal and wife Jacey of Hickok; great-granddaughter, Lily Ann Neal; and nieces and nephews. 

Ted is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Faith Neal; brothers, Jim Neal and Ray Neal; and sisters, Oma Jean Westeman and Edna Mae Hixon.

Graveside service will be Friday, March 27, 2020, at 10:00 AM at the Ulysses Cemetery with military rites by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79.  There will be no public visitation. Arrangements are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.