John H. "Jack" Neal, 83 of Clay City passed away Oct. 15, 2005 at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He had been in failing health for the past four years. He was born July 30, 1922 in Clay County, the son of Charles Rollis Neal and Lola Hochsterler Neal. He graduated from Clay City High School in 1940. He served his country in the U.S. Army during W.W.II in the European Theater with the 531st Antiaircraft Division. He married Ellen Rosalie Miller Neal March 15, 1942. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ and the American Legion Post in Clay City. In the past he was a truck driver for Griffith Company and had been an agricultural mechanic for John Deere in Worthington. He was a farmer and enjoyed all aspects of farming. He especially enjoyed having the grandchildren on the farm with him. He also was a musician and a singer. In the past, he had been a member of several different vocal groups and enjoyed playing the organ and the accordion.

He is survived by his wife, Rosalie Neal of Clay City; one son and daughter-in-law, William "Bill" and Joan Neal, also of Clay City; four grandchildren, Carroll Markle and husband Mike of Linton, John "Andy" Neal and wife Susan of Linton, Nicole Hardesty and husband Nathan of Cincinnati, and Tent Neal of Fairland, Ind.; three great-grandchildren, Kasi Markle, Tylar Markle and Savanna Neal; one great-great-granddaughter, Kendra Markle; one sister, Lois Jones of Bloomington; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, John C. Neal, April 20, 2003; one sister, Moyne Crist; five brothers, Gilbert Neal, Fred "Ted" Neal, Wayne Neal, Carl Neal and Judge Robert Neal.

Services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Schoppenhorst Funeral Home with Rev. Sam Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Habitat for Humanity or the charity of their choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Light a candle in his memory at www.schoppenhorstfuneralhome.com.