NEEL KENNETH W

CPT Kenneth W. Neel was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 08/25/2017 at the age of 71.0
Elkhart, TX
Flight Classes 67-17 and 67-15
Date of Birth 09/01/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by Michael Parker

More detail on this person: Kenneth Neel Kenneth Neel Palestine Herald-Press (TX) - Thursday, October 19, 2017 Kenneth Wayne Neel of Elkhart, Texas passed away in Temple, Texas on August 25th, 2017. Kenneth leaves behind his loving wife Martha, and two sons David and Michael. Kenneth will be welcomed in his new heavenly home by his father Elton Lee Neel, mother Era Sybil Hallmark Neel, and sister Juanita Neel. Kenneth was born February 4, 1944 in Dallas, Texas as the youngest of three children. At the age of 20, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Army. Kenneth served during the Vietnam War achieving the rank of Captain. While enlisted, Kenneth earned his pilot's license and quickly became an accomplished helicopter pilot by recording over 4000 mission hours. During Kenneth's tour in Vietnam, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for displaying exemplary skill and bravery during the lifesaving rescue of his passengers and crew. Kenneth had the opportunity to travel the world visiting countries such as Vietnam, Germany, England, Italy, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Sudan, Belize and Mexico. However, through all of Kenneth's travels and adventures including winning motocross races and driving his Porsche 911 throughout Europe, none was more important than his time in Mexico. Working as a helicopter pilot for Air Logistics, Kenneth had the opportunity to live in Mexico. During his time in Mexico, Kenneth met his beloved wife Martha. Kenneth would move Heaven and Earth for Martha evidenced by his willingness to brave a volcanic eruption to see her. The two happily wed in 1982 and together were blessed with two children, David and Michael. Of all Kenneth's accomplishments personally and professionally, none was more important to him than his family. Kenneth held family as a top priority in his life and ensured that his loved ones were always happy and cared for. Kenneth was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. Kenneth will be forever missed, but never forgotten. He is a burning light in the hearts of his family that will never extinguish. Memorial Services will be held Monday, October 23rd at Jeter & Son Funeral Home in Dallas from 12:30 -1:30pm. Military Honors and Inturnment will follow at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:00pm.

Burial information: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX

This information was last updated 09/08/2019

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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024


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