MC NEELY, William Jordan - b. May 25, 1926 - d. November 13, 2008

[patyrn]

William Jordan McNeely, 82, of Grenola, Kansas, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.  William was born May 25, 1926 in Merriam, Kansas, the son of Eugene and Eva Wilma (Jordan) McNeely.

William graduated from Grenola High School.  On August 11, 1946, he was united in marriage to Norma D. Pinegar.  William and Norma celebrated 62 years of marriage in August of this year.  William joined the United States Marines and then enlisted with the United States Air Force, serving his country for 20 years, retiring as an E-9.  He was a WWII Veteran who served in the South Pacific.  During those years in the military, he and his wife traveled across the world serving in England and Scotland.

After retiring from the military, William worked 20 years for Southern Kansas Telephone.  He was a charter member of the Derby, Kansas V.F.W., a life member of the Winfield V.F.W., a life member of the American Legion, and a member of the Texas Tower Organization.  William was very involved with the Grenola community.  He had served as the Mayor and as a councilman.  He was an  "In-Charge" type of person who liked helping others, along with supporting the Elk County Ministerial Alliance group.

William is survived by his wife, Norma, of the home; a son and daughter in law, Mark and Barbara McNeely of Porter, Oklahoma; a daughter, Marsha Phillippi of Winfield, Kansas; six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.  William was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eugene and Roy McNeely.

Cremation has been requested with private burial at the Winfield Veterans Cemetery.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the Elk County Ministerial Alliance or the Winfield Veterans Home and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be let at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1233, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349. 

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)