Glendon "Lee" Neal

Glendon “Lee” Neal, age 82, of Ottawa, Kansas passed away October 21, 2024. He was born on July 6, 1942, to Glendon and Manda (Mathis) Neal. Lee grew up in Bucyrus, Kansas and attended Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill, Kansas. During his high school years, he played many sports such as football, basketball, and also track with his brothers.

Lee enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating high school and completed basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri before going on to Ordinance School at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. He served as an Ordinance Specialist in Korea, and then with the 4th Infantry Division in Ft. Lewis, Washington.

After returning home from the Army, he spent his entire career as a butcher. He retired briefly before returning to the workforce as a school custodian, where he always enjoyed interacting with the students. Lee was a devout Christian and gave his time generously to youth ministry, church camps, and also serving as treasurer to his church.

Lee was a sports fanatic and could recall stats and scores from every football and basketball game ever played. He rooted for K.U., the Royals, and the Chiefs. A fact known by everyone, Lee was also a closet Greenbay fan.

You knew he liked you if he gave you a nickname and likewise for him. Everyone always had a nickname for Lee. Just to name a few, Lee was often called “the General”, “Pop”, “Moses”, “Grandpa”, and “Mr. Lee.” Lee loved life, the Lord, and he deeply loved his family. He faced every day and every challenge with unwavering optimism.

Preceding Lee in death were his parents Glendon and Manda Neal; his brothers Charles, Larry, and Wally Neal. He is survived by his son Ernest “Ernie” Neal and his two grandsons Titus and Elijah Neal.

Memorial Visitation will be 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2024, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa, Kansas.