Neal Alan VanPelt was born on Dec. 25, 1961, in Wellington, Texas. He grew up working on the farms with his dad, Don, and earned his Eagle Scout with the help of his mom, Deanna. Neal served as a member of First Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus Christ at a young age.
Neal attended West Texas State and Texas Tech University before graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas. He lived and worked in the Dallas area for the rest of his adult life where his loyalty, rich sense of humor and kindness earned him many good friends.
He joined Reunion Church, serving for years in Men’s Group and Bible studies. He ministered to the homeless and attended the Hanahans’ Bible study group, Kingdom Fountain of Life and Zion Life.
A fierce conservative, Neal loved to talk politics and share ideas. He was also a rabid sports fan who closely followed the Cowboys, Rangers and Mavericks, elated or despondent in their varying seasons of ups and downs.
He was the proud uncle of seven nieces and nephews who thought he hung the moon. He took them on “sody water hikes,”cheered embarrassingly at their ballgames and recitals, gave them good life advice and always brought the best snacks to family gatherings.
Neal married the light of his life, Elizabeth “Libby,” two weeks before his 60th birthday. They did not have long years together, but they treasured each other beautifully and made the most of their time.They belonged to a domino group, watched sunsets at the lake and loved cooking together. She fought cancer side by side with him and was holding his hand when he stepped into heaven on Nov. 26, 2023.
His loved ones miss his laughter, his serious talks, his silly jokes and his many acts of thoughtful unselfishness. We grieve, but not as those with no hope - because Neal belonged to the Savior of his soul.
Neal leaves behind his beloved wife, Libby; his mother, Deanna; his sister, Valerie and husband Rob; his brother, Brian and wife Laura; nieces and nephews Katie, Jonathan, Daniel, Aaron, Tatum, Ava and Cullen; his great-niece, Harper; and many dear cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Don VanPelt; his grandparents, Grady and Ava VanPelt; and his other grandparents, Neal and Dorothy Rose.
Neal Alan’s graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at South Fairview Cemetery, located on FM 338, west of Wellington. Following the service, visitation will be from noon-1 p.m. at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall,1106 15th St. At 1 p.m., lunch will be served for the family.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Wellington Cemetery Association.
