David Raymond Neal

David Raymond Neal, child, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Santa Fe railroader, Mason, Shriner, and family member/employee of the Boulevard Drive-In Theatre, Kansas City, KS, passed away on January 8, 2025, from long-standing heart and lung disease.

David was born on September 5, 1950, to Samuel Wesley Neal and Mazie Lee (Dunn) Neal (both from Pascola, MO) in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, KS. He was the second of three sons and passed away on the same date as his older brother, Stephen Neal, who passed on January 8, 2015. David lived for 74 years and 4 months. He was a member of Fairhaven Baptist Church for many years; and, more recently, was a member of the Gospel Light Baptist Church, both in Kansas City, KS. He was especially proud of his five-generation family, beginning with his father, Wesley, and continuing through his own great grandchildren. David and Mary E. (Spears) were the parents of two children: Tina Renee (Neal) McClain and Christopher David Neal.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mazie Lee (Dunn) Neal, 1929-2015; Samuel Wesley Neal, 1927-2024; his older brother, Stephen Randolph Neal, 1948-2015; and his son, Christopher David Neal Thompson (1973-2023).

He is survived by the following:

Wife: Cheryl (Meeks) Neal of the home.

Daughters: Tina Renee Neal Davis McClain (Doug) of North Carolina and his adopted daughter, Breanna Neal, of the home.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Grandchildren Izaiah Neal of the home, Jessica (Davis) Donithan (Daniel) of North Carolina, Amanda (Davis) McAmis (Elijah) of North Carolina; Lacey Thompson and Juliana Thompson of Texas. He is also survived by six great grandchildren.

One brother and family: Walter Edward Neal (Kathy) of Prairie Village, KS, his son, Brian Wesley Neal (Clarissa) of Overland Park, KS, Walter’s two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Also surviving is Brian’s mother, Paula (Erwin) Murdock.

Two remaining aunts: Patricia Neal Harp and Joy Neal Brown, both of Springfield, MO.

Cousins: A myriad of cousins through both the Dunn family and the Neal family.

His residence during his school years was at 1621 S. 16th, a steep, brick-lined street in Kansas City, KS. He walked to Franklin Elementary School and to Argentine High School where he graduated. At Argentine, he participated in various sports such as basketball, football, and track. During his elementary years, he took private lessons and learned to play the accordion; and in high school, he played the bassoon and served as the drum major for the Argentine High School Band.

David opted for a career with the Santa Fe Railroad and enjoyed his role as a yard master/traffic controller until he was presented with an early retirement opportunity. After his tenure with Santa Fe, he worked in other occupations, including a stint at 7-Up where he distributed products across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Notably, he dedicated his efforts to his father's cherished Boulevard Drive-In Theatre in Kansas City, KS. From operating the vintage reel projector and managing the box office to popping corn and taking out the trash, he took pride in his involvement with the family business. Throughout this period, he delighted in sharing with friends and acquaintances his humorous Pearly Gates anecdote inspired by the character Forrest Gump.

Beginning in January 1993, and spanning over a period of 32 years, David dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the M.W. Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas. He progressed quickly through various ranks, attaining the esteemed status of Master Mason and then becoming a Shriner in 1995. Among his most cherished companions were his Mason brethren, with whom he cultivated enduring friendships and shared countless memorable experiences. Throughout his journey, he assumed diverse roles within the Masonic community, eventually reaching the pinnacle as Grand Lecturer and ultimately achieving the highest honor of Grand Master in the state of Kansas. His affiliations extended to the Blue Racers (go-carts), Scottish Rite, Roger Sherman Westgate Lodge, the Blue Lodge, Delaware Lodge 96 (formerly Ben Hur Lodge 322), and as a founding member of the Temple Builders in 2015. Serving as the Lodge's Chaplain from 2022 to 2025, David often could be found at home in his recliner reading passages from the Bible.

David was aware of the fragility of his life; and in May 2024, he drove from Kansas City to Walkertown, North Carolina, where he visited with his daughter, Tina; his granddaughters, Amanda and Jessica; and his great-grandchildren, Maddie, Liam, and Seth. It was here that he saw the Atlantic Ocean for the very first time. His adventures also included outings with the Shriners to various places such as Florida, Colorado, Las Vegas, and even on a cruise.

During his youth, he engaged in competitive league bowling and also enjoyed bowling with his parents, Mazie and Wesley, who were also avid bowlers. Another favorite pastime in his youth was the family's weekly tradition of attending the Boulevard Drive-In Theatre during the summer months where his father was a part-time employee at the time.

In his later years, his greatest joy stemmed from the companionship of his wife, Cheryl (Meeks) Neal. He found solace and contentment in the comfort of their home (with occasional outings to dine at Appleby’s), alongside Cheryl’s son, Charlie, David's adopted daughter, Breanna, and his grandson Izaiah Neal, all the while managing the box office at the Theatre. Izaiah became a part of David and Cheryl’s household in September 2024. Possessing a compassionate disposition, Izaiah provided invaluable assistance to Cheryl in caring for David during his final days at home and in the hospital.

David's absence will leave a void that will be deeply felt by his family and friends.

A service dedicated to David’s life will be held on

January 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

Ben Hur Masonic Lodge

1 440 S. 30th St., Kansas City KS.