William Dean (Bill) McNeil, Sr. passed to the next world on September 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a sudden illness.
Bill was born on November 20, 1938 to Daniel and Daphine (Robson) McNeil in Joplin, Missouri. He grew up alongside three siblings: Virginia Lasalle, Sallie Howell and Daniel McNeil Jr.
Bill was a proud graduate of Joplin High School, Class of 1956 and Pittsburg State College, Class of 1960. He was recognized as a distinguished military graduate.
During the Cold War, his service to his country led him to West Germany and Vietnam, where he was decorated with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart as an Airborne Ranger. He concluded his military career with a rank of Captain. A committed member of both the VFW and the American Legion, Bill’s dedication to his nation never faltered.
While in Germany, he met and married Ursula (Uhr) McNeil Lowe. They had two sons, William McNeil Jr. (Teresa) and Mark McNeil (Tiffany). He was blessed with six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Wesley McNeil, Andrea Maher (Jeff), Tori McNeil, Icesus Lamb (Blake), Xollie Wilson, Derek McNeil (Shelby), Drew McNeil (Hailey), and Trey McNeil.
In 2004, he married Colleen (Hall) Moran expanding his family including Colleen’s children, Matthew Moran (Annette), David Moran, Marcella Moran Julius, and Susanne Moran. Nine step-grandchildren: Aaron (Cheri), Elaine, Luke, Jacob, Thomas, Abby, Nathan, Justine, and Sean.
After his military service, Bill went to work for NCR (National Cash Register) as a salesman. After a few years at NCR, he opened Joplin Cash Register that served the Jopling area for nearly two decades.
Bill was an enthusiastic fisherman and loved spending time on Grand Lake fishing. He cherished playing bingo with Colleen and other family members at the VFW and the American Legion nearly every Saturday night. He also loved watching sports including tennis, college and professional football.
Bill had the nickname of “Cigar Bill” because it would have been unusual to find him without a cigar in his hand for much of his adult life.
Bill was a fantastic cook with one of his signature meals being corn beef. The entire extended family would gather on St. Patrick’s Day and couldn’t wait to fill their plates with his signature meal.
Bill was a great husband, father and grandfather that was cherished by his entire family and will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of twenty years Colleen, his parents Daniel and Daphine, his siblings Virginia, Sallie and Daniel, and his two stepchildren David and Susanne Moran.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at The Madison Suite, 918 East 15th Street, Webb City, Missouri from 2-4 pm.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory. His ashes will be buried at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery beside his parents and sister Sallie.