R.L. Neel, 82, of Perryville died Aug. 1, 2018, at his daughter Lou Ann’s home in Perryville. Mr. Neel was a retired residential and commercial electrician and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 1 in St. Louis. He sang in the Tri Towners and the Spirit of St. Louis Chorus barbershop quartets and was a member of the Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America.. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Festus enjoyed fishing, gardening, yardwork and traveling. Born Jan. 22, 1936, in Leachville, Ark., he was the son of the late Lulu (Barrett) Fern and Raymond Neel.
He is survived by his wife: Mary (Roussin) Neel; two sons: Ross A. (Kim) Neel of Festus and Raymond Lee (Cathy) Neel III of Doniphan; four daughters: Raina (David) Govero of Springfield, Rhonda (J.C.) Cox of St. Louis, Lou Ann (Tim) O'Dell of Perryville and JoEllen (Carlos Hernandez) Jackson of Kirksville; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife: Rosemary A. (Rappe) Neel; a sister: Elaine Filla; and an uncle: Cletus Neel.
Memorial gathering will be from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, followed immediately by a memorial service. Memorials may be made to the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, 110 Seventh Ave., North Nashville TN 37203-3704. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.