There's one thing in particular that Uncle John wouldn't let me live down over the past couple years, and that was the electric chair incident. My dad was gearing up to have back surgery so my mom surprised him with a sit-to-stand chair. You know, the reclining chair that has a remote control attached to it with electricity serving as its power source? Well, I wish I would have explained it to Uncle John that way when I was talking to him over the phone, but I didn't. I told him with excitement, My mom bought my dad an electric chair! At that point he laughed hysterically, and I still didn't know why. He finally got through his laughter long enough to ask if we got it from a prison. Then he and Uncle Eric were laughing at me like they'd never heard anything funnier. I would say that was the end of it, but it wasn't. In fact, it never ended. Almost every time I saw or talked to him he would ask me about the electric chair. I don't expect this joke to end. Uncle Eric and I have not stopped laughing about it and I don't think we ever will.

Now, I just have a few words for Uncle John:
I just want to let you know that I will always cherish that Air Force ball cap you gave me. I will never forget all the memories I made at your house growing up, from the frogs at your door, to flying planes on your computer. I will always miss your encouragement. I'd tell you all about my next big test and how I thought for sure I'd fail. Then you'd follow up with your story about how you had to take a superintendent test that you didn't get to study for. You told your boss that you couldn't pass a test you didn't study for, but low and behold you did. Actually, you aced it. You told me I got the brains from you.
I'll finish school and make you proud. I will continue to be your scholar.  

I think I speak for us all when I say we miss you terribly. I know you aren't in pain anymore and you don't have to deal with worldly problems. I also know that you were welcomed home with open arms, and I hope you told everyone hi for me. I know that you're happy, but I still miss you and I want you to know that I love you.
Love, 
Your scholar

Uncle Johnny was such a caring and loving man, as a young girl, we would make a trip to see him when he was stationed in California, just loaded up the station wagon, and there we went, it was a treat for him as for us. He loved all of us, with his huge heart. Will be totally missed.
Betty Hudson Herndon( Bakersfield)

John was always the closet person to an uncle to me. He used to babysit my sister & I when we were little and he often visited us wherever we lived throughout the years. I always made time to visit John & Eric whenever they came to Casa Grande to visit my parents. We were truly blessed by having him in our lives. John will be missed by our family.

There are no words to describe our feelings for John...he was the best friend the Kurth family ever had.

As far back as I can remember John Neal was like part of the Kurth family.  Fellow veteran with my father and caring friend John was always there when needed.  Many times over the years John was a welcome visitor to our home and earned the gratitude of our family. I personally will always carry a part of him with me wherever I go as I was given the middle name of John as a sign of my family's respect for him. I hope John rests in peace knowing that his memory will always be treasured within our family.

I went to visit Uncle John a few days before his passing.. I was so glad that he recognized me, squeezed my hand and said that he loved me.. He was a wonderful man, kind and thoughtful..you will be missed!,

When I was a little girl you would put me on the back of your very large white dog and let me ride it around the back yard like a pony. I will always remember that....and your homemade sweet tea...and your backyard swing. This is how I will always remember you. I will always cherish these very special and unique memories.  Love your niece.

John was a funny, kind and generous man with a huge heart. He was a friend to my family for over 50 plus years. He was like a brother to my dad and mom. Our lives were better for having him in it and we are eternally grateful for his friendship. We will miss him every day.

OBITUARY

John W. Neal

April 5, 1939 – July 6, 2015

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