Donald Dean Neal

25 February 1944 - 6 January 2005

Neal, Donald Dean, of Wichita, Kansas was born April 28, 1929 in Bradley South Dakota to Chet Neal and Dora (Miller) Neal and grew up in the Bradley - Clark area.

He graduated from Clark High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's and then a Master's degree in Psychology and Counseling, graduating Cum Laude from Ball State University.

Don joined the Air Force and served his country in the Korean War. During his 25 year military career, Don rose to the rank of CMSGT, became a highly decorated soldier earning numerous medals and was a highly respected linguist, translator, and teacher.

Following his career in the U.S. Air Force he was a Safety Officer for OSHA as well as at McConnell and Travis Air Force Bases and worked for the State Of South Dakota.

Don believed in helping others and making the world a better place to live. He was a member of many altruistic organizations: The Freedom through Vigilance Association, an accomplished 32Master Mason, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

After retirement, Don took joy in tending to his family and grandchildren and substitute teaching in the Andover Kansas School District.

He was a caring family man, a lover of nature and tender of the land, and most of all a man of character and integrity. Don will be dearly missed.

Grateful for having shared his life are Karen Neal, wife of 51 years, Wichita KS.; Vicky Neal, daughter, Belmont, CA and sons: James Neal, Vermillion, SD, Mark Neal, Indianapolis, IN, Thomas Neal, Wichita, KS.; Brothers: Cale Neal, Robert Neal; Sisters: Barbara Peterson, Jeanette Seefeldt, Alice Warne; 5 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Chet Neal, his mother Dora Neal and brother Richard Neal of Clark South Dakota.

Visitation is Monday, March 5, 2007 from 6-8, pm at Miller Funeral Home, Sioux Falls. Funeral service is at 11:00 am Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at East Side Lutheran 1300 East 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Socitey.

For obituary and on-line registry, please visit www.millerfh.com

Published in the Wichita Eagle on 3/3/2007.