Lifetime area resident, Melvin M. “Mel” McNeal, Sr., 1110 Ohio St., Walkerton, Ind., died at 6 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2002, in Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home following a six week battle with cancer. He was 64-years-old. Mel was born in Tyner, Ind., on September 18, 1938, the son of Woodward W. and Goldie M. Cudney McNeal. He attended Walkerton schools and earned his G.E.D. Mel served in the U.S. Army from 1959 until 1963. On November 19, 1966, in Walkerton, Mel and Penny E. Wenger were married. He worked for Monaco Coach, formerly Holiday Rambler, in Wakarusa for 34 years as an electrician. Before that he worked for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as an engineer. An avid fisherman and hunter, he loved the outdoors. He also enjoyed video games and bowling: he bowled in leagues for over 30 years. He was a member of the Walkerton American Legion Post 189. Mel is survived by his wife, Penny and by their children, three sons and a daughter. Their sons are: Rodney and Jeffery McNeal, both of Walkerton and Melvin McNeal, Jr., of Bloomington, Ill. Their daughter Michelle (Jeremy) Baker lives in Nappanee. Nine grandchildren also survive, together with two sisters, Shirley (Ron) LaBere, Walkerton, and Caroline (Ralph) Ward, Culver, and four brothers: Richard (Margaret) McNeal, Bourbon; Gene (Sheila) McNeal, Plymouth; Terry Neal, Culver, and Tony (Brenda) McNeal, Lapaz. Many nieces and nephews survive as well. Mel was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Jessie Allen Sickmiller. Friends will be welcomed by the family from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2002, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will follow visitation at 3 p.m. in the funeral home. The Rev. William Babbs will officiate. Military graveside services at New Oakhill Cemetery will be provided by the Walkerton American Legion Post 189. Gifts in memory of Mel may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
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