A memorial service for William A. 'Art' Neel, Jr. 65 of Marshall, will be held Saturday, May 4th at 11:00a.m. at St. Mark's Methodist Church in Marshall. Mr. Neel passed away April 12th, 2019 in Tyler, Texas.

Art was born July 23, 1953 in Lubbock, Texas to Sonny and Jorene Neel. He grew up in Marshall where he attended local schools, excelling in math and science and won several state titles. He attended Rice University and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he returned to Marshall to work with his father at W.A. Neel Company, soon after his brother, Russell joined the family business.

Art was known as a trouble shooter to many local plants. Later he developed and patented a flare ignition system which can be found all across the world on off-shore platforms, oil refineries and even a city dump outside of Boston, MA. This allowed him to travel to many unique places and even though it was work he enjoyed it, with many interesting stories to tell about his travels. He even traveled to the Amazon Jungle.

He was a kind man and loved all animals, always concerned about the care and feeding of strays. His hobbies were working and traveling with Cheryl, the love of his life for almost 31 years. He recently got his HAM radio license and was looking forward to his new hobby as he neared retirement. He attended St. Mark's Methodist Church in Marshall, Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; brother, Russell; aunt and uncle, Jerry and Vicky Bawcom; cousin, Amy Bawcom. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sonny and Jorene Neel; grandparents, George and Marie Keene.

Family ask that memorials be made to St. Mark's Methodist Church, Pet Place of Marshall, www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org or any charity of your choice.