Graveside services for Neal Jay Eller, 81, Lawrence, will be Monday at 2pm, November 2nd at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Neal passed away early Wednesday morning, October 28, at Brandon Woods with his wife, Becky, at his side.
Neal was born November 4, 1938, in Lawrence, the son of Leo and Dorothy Eller. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1956 and has been a lifelong resident of Lawrence except for a very short time he lived in Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Eller McCaffrey.
Prior to his retirement on November 30, 2004, Neal worked for many years as a finish carpenter and shop foreman at Gene Fritzel Construction. He was an excellent woodworker and had the opportunity to produce special doors, windows, and other features for upscale homes. Neal was especially proud of a spiral staircase he built for a local couple whose home was featured in a national magazine. After his retirement Neal enjoyed working in his own customized woodshop which he built at his home. He loved making keepsake rocking horses and wagons for his grandchildren as well as other projects such as outbuildings and a chicken house for Becky’s chickens.
Neal married Dorothy Jean Roper on March 8, 1958, in Nowata, OK. They divorced. He married Celinda Sue Archer in May, 1969. They divorced. He married Rebecca Ann Phillips on November 8, 1986. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include a daughter, Lisa Eller, Euless, Texas; a son, David Eller (Paula Zeller), Topeka; a daughter, Piper Reimer (James Reimer), Prairie Village; a daughter, Shanna Eller (Marty Segal), Lawrence; and a son, Jay Eller (Wendy Eller), Lawrence. Neal loved and adored his 8 grandchildren, Olivia Eller, Annie Eller, Neal J. Eller, Nash Reimer, Will Reimer, Hale Reimer, Leo Eller, and Arlo Eller. He had one nephew, Michael Leo McCaffrey, Lawrence.
Neal was an avid reader, he loved Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Patricia Cornwell, and Dean Koontz among many authors. He enjoyed visiting with his good friends and drinking coffee in his kitchen. Neal also loved all animals, especially his cats and family dogs. He was never a fan of squirrels. He was a die-hard Ford man. He enjoyed Jeeps and Colorado mountain Jeep trails. He made friends easily and could talk to anyone on any subject. His great sense of humor made him a joy to be around.
Friends may call from 3 pm to 4 pm Sunday at Rumsey-Yost funeral home, where the family will be receiving them.
The family suggests memorials to Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com
