Fred Hale Neal

Fred Hale Neal entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 24, 2025, in San Marcos, Texas, at the remarkable age of 100. He was born on April 1, 1925, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Arnold and Lady Neal. The family later moved to Pampa, Texas, and then to Frio County, where Fred graduated from Pearsall High School. On August 9, 1952, he married the love of his life, Anna Rae Elder, and together they raised two children, Don and Carol.

Fred came to faith in Christ at the age of 10 during a revival led by evangelist Hyman Appleman in April 1935, where he was deeply moved by Isaiah 53:6. His walk with the Lord shaped his entire life. A devoted servant of God, Fred and Ann were faithful members of Crestview Baptist Church in Midland from 1957 onward. Together they taught 10-year-olds in Sunday School and Training Union. Fred went on to serve as Adult Sunday School Director for more than 40 years, as a deacon for over 50 years, and in many leadership roles including church treasurer, trustee, and member of multiple committees. He was also a proud member of The Gideons International. His steadfast faith, devotion, and trust in God were a shining example to all who knew him.

From 1943 to 1945, Fred farmed near Pearsall, raising peanuts, feed crops, and watermelons. In February 1945, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned to the Infantry. After training at Camp Roberts in California, he was on a ship headed for the invasion of Japan when the war came to an end. On his way, he stopped over at Mog Mog Island and then Leyte, Philippines. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Occupied Japan, working in medical laboratories and transportation, and was stationed in Aomori, Sapporo, Hokkaido, and Yokohama. He achieved the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in July 1946, after which he returned to Pearsall to farm with his brother, Billy.

Fred and Ann’s life together was filled with love, service, and adventure. After marrying in 1952, they lived in Brady, Snyder, and eventually Midland, where Fred worked as an accountant in the oil industry. His career included positions with Farmers Home Administration, Bickerstaff and Tibbits, Lawless Drilling, Hissom Drilling, and ultimately Union Oil, where he worked until his retirement in 1989. In 2024, Fred moved to San Marcos to be closer to his daughter and son-in-law.

Beyond his career and church service, Fred enjoyed woodworking and took great pride in his yard. Fred and Ann enjoyed traveling with family, church members and neighbors. He had a gift for connecting with children, always making them laugh and feel valued. Known for his quick wit, twinkle in his eye, and endless stories, Fred’s kindness, generosity, and deep faith left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ann, his son Don, his parents, and his siblings Robert, Joe, Billy, James, Frances Fitzpatrick and Milton. He is survived by his daughter Carol Nease and husband Charles, granddaughter Katlyn Martin and husband Noah, daughter-in-law Lisa, brothers Wilson (Janis), Charles, and Iven (Ruby), sister-in-law Coleen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Crestview Baptist Church of Midland or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Crestview Baptist Church. Graveside services will follow at 1:00 PM at Resthaven Memorial Park.