McNeal, Loren Lee 'Smokey'

Loren Lee “Smokey” McNeal, 76, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away peacefully with his family by his side following a long illness on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at East Towne Care Center, Independence. Services: 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point, by the Rev. Scott Meador. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial: Center Point Cemetery, Center Point.

Survivors include his children, Scott (Nadine) McNeal of Shellsburg, Lori (Mike) Shannon of Independence, and Darla Price of Independence; grandchildren, Jeramey, Chris, Stephanie, Nick and Jenna; great-grandchild, Bella; brother, Lyle McNeal of Marion; and Smokey's wife, Grace of Protivin.

Smokey was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

Born Aug. 2, 1935, in Center Point, Iowa, Smokey was the son of Avery and Bessie (Reid) McNeal. Smokey drove truck for many years as an owner/operator and most recently for H&W Trucking and was a member of the Teamsters Local.

Smokey was a past president of the Eagles Club Cedar Rapids and an avid Hawkeye and Cubs fan. He enjoyed volunteering, being around children and supporting the Children's Hospital. Smokey was a volunteer firefighter for the Center Point and Rowley fire departments.

Smokey's family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff at the East Towne Care Center for the loving care given to Smokey.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Smokey's memory.

Please sign the online guestbook for Smokey at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 13, 2011.