John Howard Neal

John Howard Neal, 86, of Fort Smith, died February 20, 2013 in Fayetteville. He was born July 26, 1926 in Rison, Arkansas to Conrad Fount and Rose Lea Varnell Neal. He was owner/operator of John H. Neal, Inc. and retired Vice President of Operations for Arkansas Best Freight. John served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He loved family and was very passionate about raising and racing horses, and was an avid gardener. His family sends him on with all their love, til they meet again. He is survived by his wife Frances of the Home; one daughter, Katie Neal of Fort Smith; two sons, John Neal of Fayetteville, AR and Michael Neal of Fort Smith; one sister, Louise Kent of Little Rock; one brother, Joe Neal of Little Rock; five grandchildren, James Hoffman, Jonathan Griffin, Shawn Neal, Rachel Phillips, and Piper Neal; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Fannie Bell Moon Neal; two infant sons; sister, Mary June Catterall, and brother Billy Fount Neal. Funeral service will be Monday, February 25, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Griffin, James Hoffman, Shawn Neal, Billy Armstrong, Cody Phillips, and Jerry Jones. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan. 66675. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.