William G. Neal

William G. “Bill” Neal, Jr., 83, of Washington, died on Saturday, April 5, 2014, in the Donnell House, following a lengthy illness.  He was born on March 23, 1931, in Dixonville, PA, a son of the late William G. Neal Sr., and Dorothy Nettie Walker Neal.  Mr. Neal was a 1949 graduate of Washington High School, where he was a member of the band, as First Chair Trumpet.  He also attended Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  Mr. Neal was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, where he served with the Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, from October 23, 1952, until his honorable discharge, on October 22, 1954.   According to his commendation, during the evening of July 27, 1953, the 2nd Battalion was subjected to intense mortar and artillery fire, which severed wire communications from Headquarters to the companies.  Private Neal, a wireman, attempted to repair the lines, but was forced back by enemy fire.  He again ventured into the shell-torn terrain after dark, and courageously, and successfully mended the lines.  His brave actions during enemy bombardment, lead to the renewed communication, coordination, and subsequent rescue of his Battalion.  For his heroism, and devotion to duty, Private First Class Neal was awarded the Bronze Star Medal of Valor.  He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, with 2 bronze stars, and the United Nations Medal.  Starting at age 15, he had worked at the Coweison Funeral Home, for 13 years.  Mr. Neal was the founder and co-owner of the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., in Tylerdale, from October 1961, until present.  He was a 60-year member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion, where he had been Service Officer for over 30 years.  A long-time board member of the Salvation Army, he was past President and Board Member of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the Syria Shrine, Washington Lodge #164 F&AM, and Valley of Coudersport, as well as being a member of many other organizations in the area.  He was on the board of the Southwestern PA Funeral Directors, where he had been past President. He had been a member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, where he had formerly been very active on various committees. Mr. Neal had been an active supporter of 4H and FFA and the market livestock sale at the Washington County Fair, for many years. Bill enjoyed taking cruises with his wife, and stepdaughter, Sheri, to exotic places all over the world.  One of the places he enjoyed traveling to the most, was Korea, where he had fought in the war.  He loved to come home and entertain everyone with the stories of the interesting places he had visited, the unusual food he had eaten, and the wonderful people he had met. On October 18, 1986, he married Martha Ashcraft Kahle, who survives. Also surviving, are two sons, William G. (Debra) Neal, III; and Michael P. (Sherrie) Neal, both of Washington; 2 daughters, Karen Sue Neal, and Stacey N. Eakin, both of Washington; 2 stepsons, Robert W. (Claire) Kahle, of Midland, TX; and Gary M. (Theresa) Kahle, of Dormont; and a stepdaughter, Sheri K. Kahle, of Peters Township; 7 grandchildren, William G. “G.W.” Neal, IV, Sara E. (Matt) Geiger, Courtney R. Crouch, Ricky A. Williams, Alecia (John) Fincham, Donald “Adam” Kahle, and Noelle E. Kahle; 9 great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Jane Necciai, a brother-in-law, George Ashcraft, of New Eagle; and his best friend, and co-worker for more than 48 years, Dominic “Sonny” Avolia. Deceased are a grandson, Ronald J. Lyle, III, two brothers, Richard W. Neal and James D. Neal, and a son-in-law, Richard “Rick” Eakin. Friends will be received on Thursday, and Friday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 12, 2014,at 1:00 p.m., in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Father William Feeney as Celebrant.  On Thursday, April 10, 2014, at 3:30 p.m., in the funeral home, there will be a service conducted by the Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. Burial at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, will be private, and held at a later date.  Full Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery, by the Edwin Scott Linton post 175 of the American Legion. Memorial donations may be made to Donnell House, Hospice Care of Washington Health System, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.