McNeal, Raymond L.

Raymond L. McNeal, 83, of Mount Auburn, died Thursday, July 22, 2010, at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton following a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with Pastor Mark C. Urlaub officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until service time on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Mount Auburn Cemetery with military rites provided by George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 of Vinton and Iowa Military Funeral Honors.

Raymond was born September 21, 1926, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Ray and Anna McNeal. He was raised in Mount Auburn and lived there his entire life. He served his country in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. He was a member of George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 in Vinton.

On November 4, 1953, Raymond was united in marriage with Mary Ann Wessling in La Porte City, Iowa. She preceded him in death on November 20, 2003.

Raymond worked for farmers and Schmidt Plumbing in the Mount Auburn area. He also worked at Perfex for 15 years, retiring in 1980. In his spare time, Raymond enjoyed gardening and reading westerns.

Raymond is survived by one son, Don (Karen) McNeal of Brandon; three daughters, Catharine Draper and Louise Lazenby of Vinton, and Carol Ann McNeal of Rock Hill, S.C.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Irene Hebold of Newton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ann; one brother, John McNeal; one sister, Frances; and son-in-law, Bill Lazenby.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Raymond and his family. Condolences may be left at