E.L. Neal

November 20, 1923 - July 4, 2016

E.L. Neal, 92, of New Castle, passed away Monday, July 4, 2016 at The Waters of New Castle following a lengthy illness. He was born November 20, 1923 in Sunnybrook, Kentucky, a son of the late Denton and Ada Choelus (Bertram) Neal. E.L. retired from Delco Battery in Muncie following 30 years of employment. He also worked part-time as a tree trimmer. He loved to take vacations in the motor home South to the Smokies. He enjoyed fishing trips with his sons and grandson, riding bikes with his grandson, Brian Gregory, Mooreland Fair Truck and Tractor Pulls and the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts. In his spare time, he loved to whittle on wood. In recent years E.L loved sharing his mashed potatoes at The Waters with his great-granddaughter, Kolbi. E.L. was married to the love of his life, Lela Mae (Hughes) Neal, for 67 years. She preceded him in death in 2011. He is survived by his children, Irene Gregory of New Castle, Ina (husband: Gary) Dinkins of Shelbyville and Lily (husband: Don) Wright of Ft. Myers, FL; Ron (wife: Anita) Neal of French Lick, Tim (wife: Shari) Neal of New Castle, John M. Neal of Indianapolis and Joe (wife: Kim) Neal of Parkersburg, WV; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Hubert Neal of Illinois, two half-sisters, Mary Alice and Justeen, four half brothers, James Neal of Louisville, KY, David (wife: Donna) Neal of Monticello, KY, Cletis Neal and Freeman Neal both of KY and several nieces and nephews. E.L. was preceded in death by his wife, Lela Neal, a son-in-law, Fred Gregory and several brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2016 at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Ingalls officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. The family will receive friends from 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff of The Waters of New Castle and Henry County Hospital Hospice for their excellent care. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of E.L. Neal.