Gerald Dean Neal

Gerald Dean Neal, 83,  of Watson, Illinois passed away on February 13, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by his children.  

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2023 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood with a one-hour viewing prior to the service. PeeWee Denton will be officiating.  Interment will follow at Watson Cemetery, Watson, Illinois. Memorials may go to the donor’s choice.  

Gerald was born in Effingham, Illinois to Ivory and Doris (Baker) Neal on April 16, 1940.  He married Mary Catherine Hubbert on March 15, 1959 in Watson, Illinois. He was a bit of the renaissance man.  Gerald was HVAC expert who was able to create almost anything in metal. His handiwork can be found in many homes and businesses in the area.  He made the tin man that stands in front of Merz Sheet Metal and many of the copper spire on various local churches.  He was the original homesteader who dabbled in mushroom growing, molasses making, maple syrup brewing, beekeeping, on top of farming and cattle raising. He built his own home and constructed a fireplace from stones pulled out of the creek as well as some from his father’s collection.  He spent many hours working with ceramics for the grandkids to glaze.  During his retirement years, he spent many hours creating animations and email stationary.  He enjoyed rewatching old westerns, John Wayne movies, and Star Trek series.  He was also the family ‘go to man’ with any problem (snake in the kitchen, goat cart racing, or strawberry planting or whatever) you may have. He would offer his advice on how he would tackle the issue if it was him but he had a knack for making you feel like no matter how you dealt with the problem, it was the ’best way’ whether he believed it was or not. His wisdom was one the grandkids and great grandkids loved to seek out when their issue involved how to deal with their Mom or Dad.  His true motto to life was “if it’s free, take it” followed closely by “that’s all good stuff so don’t throw it away”.  On that note, if you are interested helping clean up the farm, let one of the family know :)  

Gerald is survived by his children, Randy (Michele) Neal, Carolyn Mathewson, Tracey (Michael) Legel, Sandy Woodall, Rusty (Lori) Neal; grandchildren, Charity (Rob) Rock, Noah (Stephanie) Legel, Zachary (Cassidy) Lowry, Seth Neal, Coral (Tanner) Thoele, Ben Legel, Aaron Legel, Kiley Neal,  Cole (Abby) Neal, Connour Woodall, Brandon Mathewson, Quincy (Zachary) Edwards; great-grandchildren, Max & Asher Neal, Nathaniel Rock,  Abigail, Julia & Grace Lowry, Tryson & Tripp Thoele, Sophia Edwards, Braydon & Braxson Mathewson; and sibling, Harold Neal.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; grandson, Derek Lowry; son-in-law, Joseph Mathewson; and his parents, Ivory and Doris Neal.   

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