Neil Edward Van Buskirk

Neil was born in Johnson City, New York on August 30, 1939, to Edward and Lillian Van Buskirk. He graduated with honors from Whitney Point Central School (now High School) in 1957. He served honorably in the United States Navy from January 1959 to January 1965 as an FT2. Neil was married to Linda Van Buskirk on April 23, 1990; they were married for 33 years. Linda preceded him in death earlier this year on April 13th.

Neil worked in electrical engineering and electronics throughout his career and officially retired in 2018, just shy of his 79th birthday. One of the highlights of his career was working on some of the circuit boards for the Apollo missions while at Texas Instruments. He loved playing the guitar and singing, and enjoyed collecting train memorabilia and Lionel trains. Neil’s sense of humor and fun sarcastic nature remained with him even through the difficult times, as did his steadfast faith. He was quick with a smile, or a smirk, and always at the ready to give a hug. He deeply loved his family and cherished spending time with them.

Neil, affectionately known as Pop to many in his family, is survived by his loving children Nicolle Van Buskirk, Christopher Van Buskirk, Cheryl Border, Jerry Bell and wife Sylvia, grandchildren Madison Van Buskirk, David Border and wife Dannielle, Lauren Bell and Dylan Close, Lindsey Bell, Kaitlen Bell and husband Tomas, great grandchildren Lyric Bell, Tansy Smith, Dominic Border, Madi Mendoza, and Daniel Mendoza. He is also survived by his sisters Nadene Hartley and Norma Robinson, and his stepsiblings, brother Ralph Carpenter, sisters Joyce Gubala, Judy Sealander, and Jean Waldmiller, as well as his first wife Elizabeth Van Buskirk, and a loving extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bobby Joe French.

A visitation for Neil is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Rhoton Funeral Home, 1511 South I-35E, Carrollton, TX 75006. A funeral service will occur on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Rhoton Funeral Home. A committal service will follow from 2:30 pm at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

If your heart moves you, a donation to Promise in Brevard, a non-profit near and dear to the family, would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Website: Promise in Brevard