Obituary of CHARLES ALLEN NEEL, JR.

CHARLES ALLEN "SKIP" NEEL, JR., 56, of Lockeford, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2003, with his wife at his side, at a Lodi hospital after a long illness. He was born on October 4, 1947 in San Francisco, the son of Charles A. Neel, Sr. and Rae Marie Lasater Margrave. Mr. Neel had been employed during his life with City Cab Company and Triangle Pacific, both in Lodi, and retired in 1989. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Vietnam for one year during his two-year enlistment term. He was an active and supporting member of the Lodi Post Veteran of Foreign Wars. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He was generous with his time and talents and possessed a kind spirit. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend for his unique character. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Cora McOwen Neel of Lockeford, who he married on February 7, 1988; two daughters, Carrie Neel of Lockeford and Tera Johnson of Kansas; one son, Brandon Neel of Orangevale; two granddaughters, Lacey and Jessica; one stepdaughter, Tia Roberts, five stepsons, Robert Lindner, Clyde Burge, Jr., Bobby Burge, Jerry Burge and James Burge; three sisters, Pamela Mapson and her husband Raplh, Sandra Dwyer and her husband James of San Francisco, Kathleen Allen and her husband Paul of Lodi; and one brother, Raymond Neel and his wife Carolynn of Galt. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, countless friends and his dog, Bear. A Celebration of Life Committal Service with full military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at Lodi Memorial Cemetery, 5150 E. Pine Street in Lodi. Military honors by the Ceremonial Honor Guard of American Legion Ed Stewart Post 803. At his request, there will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to Northern California Chapter, American Liver Foundation, 870 Market Street, Suite 1048, San Francisco, CA 94102. Lodi Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements.