Eugene Neal

E ugene N eal, age 76, of North Platte, died on October 28, 2021, at the Emerald Nursing home in Cozad, Nebraska. Eugene was a beloved son and sibling, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a friend of many. He was a respected family man.

Eugene was born in North Platte on March 19, 1945, to Archie and Cleo Neal of Tryon, Nebraska. He grew up in Tryon on his father's ranch and graduated from the McPherson County High School in 1963. Upon graduation, Eugene enlisted in the United States Army and served on active duty from 1963 to 1967 attaining the rank of Sergeant (E5). He was honorably discharged in 1970 after his obligation of service to the United States expired.

Following his military service, Eugene returned to the family ranch and worked as a ranch hand until he met and married Connie Hasbrouck on January 23, 1968. They had three children and later divorced in 1993.

Eugene worked for the Nebraska Public Power District in North Platte and Sutherland, Nebraska, until he retired in 1994. During his retirement years, Eugene enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandkids. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post #1504 and was always tinkering on projects with his son-in-law, James. He was an avid outdoorsman and a Sandhills cowboy at heart.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Cleo; brothers, Duane and Sanford; sister, Betty; brother-in-law, Leland Rodewald; and his former spouse, Connie.

Eugene is survived by his children, Martin (Melissa) Neal, of Hickman, Nebraska, Mindy (James) Schmadeke, of North Platte, Nebraska, Mason (Mandy) Neal, of Hickman, Nebraska; his grandchildren Taylor (Charles) Street, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Logan Schmadeke and Skyler Schmadeke, of North Platte, Nebraska, and Maesa and Samuel Neal, of Hickman, Nebraska; his siblings Keith (Sharon) Neal, of Pray, Montana, Terrance (Elnora) Neal, of Tryon, Nebraska, Gayle Neal, of Tryon, Nebraska, Douglas Neal, of North Platte, Nebraska, Cheryl Neal, of Terry, Montana, and Kathleen (Kent) Fisher, of Tryon, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Ruth Neal of Pray, Montana, and Peggy Neal, of Tryon, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Richard (Betty Ann) Schroeder, of North Platte, Nebraska, as well as other family and friends.

In keeping with Eugene's wishes, cremation was chosen and his ashes will be spread upon his favorite hill at his father's ranch in Tryon. Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at the Methodist Church in Tryon. Lunch will follow at the Fair Building.

The memorial book may be signed at the service, online at odeanchapel.com or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the family and will be used for a McPherson County Schools Scholarship.