John Kendrick Neal, 94, of Beaumont, died Thursday, December 25, 2014, at Christus Hospital-St Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on December 31, 1919, to Robert Neal and Clara Hamilton Neal in Pensacola, Florida. Later on he was joined by his sister, Hazel Neal, in 1922 and baby sister, Helen, in 1928. They traveled around like many families in those days from Florida to Mississippi to Louisiana and then to Texas where they all lived out their lives.
The first part of his younger life was lived in Houston. His Dad who was a welder was very strict on him as a young man, but he was the apple of his Mama's eye. She always tried to soften his Dad's punishment and he loved his Mom with his whole heart and soul.
A couple of stories he would tell are when he had to walk to the store to get a few things for dinner and it was getting dusk on his way back home while he was singing to himself. His younger sister Hazel heard him coming and hid behind the hedge, when he got close enough she jumped out and yelled, BOO!!!! He dropped the groceries turned and ran till he couldn't run anymore. Of course she had a great laugh until her mama found out. Another was when there was a talent contest in one of the movie houses, with quite a few contestants. John went on stage and sang SWEET LEILANE, a beautiful Hawaiian song popular back then, and he won 1st prize. He always had a beautiful singing voice and won some voice lessons for the prize.
In the 40’s, like his dad, John became a welder, joined the Army in 1942 and served most of his duty in England. After the service he returned to Texas and at this time 1946 or 1947 he met the love of his life, Victoria Angelo. John always said if it wasn't for her he just didn't know what would have happened in his life, but it would not have been good. She was the one that kept him on the right road and was an amazing person that loved him with all her heart. They were married for fifty-nine years.
The majority of his career was spent with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. He was very proud to be a part of the law enforcement and enjoyed the many friends he made there. John retired as a Major in 1985.
John and Vickie did a lot of traveling during their retirement to San Francisco, Reno, Las Vegas, etc. It was great fun with the family and friends throughout those days. He had a lot of pride and always dressed like a man of quality. He was kind, but could also be stern if needed. He loved to laugh, and people loved to see him laugh. John touched a lot of hearts, will be missed by many, but never forgotten by the ones who knew him.
Survivors include many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A gathering of Mr. Neal’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont. Serving as pallbearers will be Ron Hobbs, Robert Hobbs, Lanny Hawthorne, Mitch Woods, Greg Smith, and Carl Griffith, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Hugh Howard and Bill Washburn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The 100 Club of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 3405, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
