Stephen L. Neal's Obituary
Mr. Stephen L. Neal, age 65, passed away Friday, May 10, 2013 at his home. He was born in Muskegon on April 24, 1948 to Lester and Eleanor (Hansen) Neal. Stephen was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He received numerous medals including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, 3 bronze stars and the Purple Heart. Following his military service, Steve received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Grand Valley State College. He was employed as store manager of Burlington Coat Factory for 20 years until his retirement in 2012. He was an avid University of Michigan and Detroit Tigers fan. He also enjoyed camping, gardening, reading and watching sports. He married the former Sue Ann Cole in Muskegon on July 24, 1971. She survives him along with 3 children, Dominic (Theresa) Neal of Paradise, MI, Jaime (Leah) Neal and Joshua (Sarah) Neal of Muskegon; 4 sisters, Sandy Gardner and Anne Jacobson both of Nunica, Diane (Jim) Kammers of Twin Lake and Debra (Ralph) Cincush of Montague; and his very special friend, Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ricky Neal and a brother-in-law, Phil Gardner. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100 with Rev. Gerald Hagans officiating. Military rites will be held under the auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars. VISITATION will be 1 hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL contributions may be made to the Johnson Family Cancer Center, Mercy VNS & Hospice Services or Operation Homefront Central Great Lakes, 4180 Keller Road, Suite B, Holt, MI 48842 or online http://www.operationhomefront.net/CentralGreatLakes/.
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