John A. Neild, Sr., 83, of Beaumont, entered God's kingdom on Monday, December 31, 2012, at his residence while surrounded by family, friends, and his bride of sixty-three years, Dora Lee Nash Neild.
He was born April 4, 1929, in Beaumont, to Ida Francis and Hugh Bertram Neild. John was the president and owner of H. B. Neild & Sons, Inc. and dedicated his years to the building and development of Beaumont and surrounding communities. In his retirement years, he enjoyed his residence and second community in the town of Creede, Colorado. During his retirement years he committed his life to numerous civic and religious organizations serving southwest and south central Colorado. He was very active within the community serving on the Board of Directors for the Creede Repertory Theater, working to build a community baseball field for the youth, as well as several projects for First Baptist Church Creede. He was the last surviving member of the Creede Coffee Club.
John was an active, dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Beaumont, serving as a life deacon and acting chairman of numerous boards within the church. He was a member of the Texas Baptist Men’s Association, served on the Board of Trustees of the Beaumont Independent School District, East Texas Baptist University, and Evening Optimist Little League. Also, John was a sixty-three year member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Masonic Tolerance Lodge 1165, and El Mina Shrine. He served as President of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Association of General Contractors, and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
He had no greater love than that of his Lord and Savior, and it was with this great love that he shared, taught, and guided his family and friends. He will always be remembered as a great teacher, passing on his “Words of Wisdom and Encouragement” to family and friends. John was also known for his wonderful “Bear Hug”embraces and the way he would not let you leave the room without telling you he loved and cherished you. His laughter, smile, singing, and amazing heart will always be remembered. He will be known as one of the greatest story tellers of his generation, sharing grand stories of his life adventures.
Survivors include his wife, Dora Lee Nash Neild of Beaumont; son, John A. Neild, Jr. and his wife, Renee, of Beaumont; daughter, Rebecca Patterson of Sour Lake; son, Thomas B. Neild, Sr. and his wife, Karen, of Beaumont; daughter, Cynthia Barker of Nederland; and daughter, Melissa Chumley and her husband, Jackie of Beaumont; brother, William E. Neild and his wife, Kay; sister, Ann "Nanny" Smith and her husband, Tip; grandchildren, Cortney Neild, Eli and Jessica Patterson, Kelly and Brent Price, Brandon Chumley, Thomas Neild, Jr., Jonathan and Alicia Barker, Annie-Lauren and Colby Howell, Adam Chumley, Taylor and Andrea Neild, Jeff Barker, Jennifer Barker, Allie-Brooke Neild, Sarah and Michael Streeper, Johanna and Frankie Justice, and Ty Neild; great grandchildren, Alyssa Patterson, Anna Patterson, Presley Rumery, Berkley Rumery, Emma Patterson, Ella Patterson, Edie Patterson, Austin Price, Brody Barker, Brock Barker, Eloise Howell, Emily-Lauren Neild, Taylor Neild, Jr., Carter Neild, Cole Neild, Kowen Barker, McKenzie Robertson, Kayleigh Kyles, Kaydee-Brooke Jones, Samantha Streeper, Addyson Streeper, Olivia Streeper, and Sophie Justice.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Joshua Patterson.
A gathering of Mr. Neild’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 4, 2013, at First Baptist Church, 900 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.
