McNEESE, Royal J. (1915-2004)

MCNEESE, MIKKELSON, CLARKE, JANES, AHERON, ROBERTSON

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 3/11/2016 at 12:21:05

Royal J. McNeese, 1915-2004

November 10, 2004

Royal J. McNeese, 89, of Britt, died at the Westview Care Center in Britt on Friday, November 5, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 9, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. The Rev. Howard Westlund and the Rev. J. Mark Aheron Sr. officiated. Music was provided by Mrs. Dwight Anderson who accompanied soloist, Nancy Aheron, a duet by Jennifer Johnson and Amber McNeese and congregational hymns. Don Anderson and Cal Larson ushered.

Casket bearers were Mr. McNeese's grandsons, Greg McNeese, Brent McNeese, Joe Mikkelson, Steve Mikkelson, James Clarke, John Clarke, Kelly Janes, Garen Janes, Andrew McNeese, Robert McNeese, John Aheron, R. J. McNeese and Mark McNeese. Honorary bearers were Cherlyn Johnson, Michaela Clarke, Dana Janes, Carrie Valster, Sarah Marquez and Esther Drew. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Royal James McNeese, the son of James R. McNeese and Lillie Robertson McNeese, was born on January 25, 1915 in Talleyrand.

On September 5, 1939, Royal was united in marriage to Mary Rakey in Fairfield. The couple farmed near Washington until 1946, when they moved to a farm northwest of Britt, where they farmed until 1967.

Royal started a motorcycle business on the farm in 1957 and moved it into Britt in 1973, at which time they also moved from their farm home into Britt. Royal continued operating the Harley Davidson shop in town until 1998, when he suffered a stroke and has spent the last six years in the Westview Care Center.

Royal was blessed with a very creative mind and used this gift to accomplish many things. He enjoyed his family, working with mechanics and watching the corn grow. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized when he was in his 30s. Royal was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Britt where he served on the church board and also as the church treasurer.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of Britt; three sons, Gale (Bev) McNeese, Gary (Theresa) McNeese of Britt and James McNeese; four daughters, Shirley Mikkelson of Lynchburg, Virginia, Sharon (Rick) Clarke of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Sandy (Keith) Janes of Stuart, Florida and Nancy (J. Mark Sr.) Aheron of Trumbull, Connecticut. Other survivors include 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; four sisters; one son-in-law; and one granddaughter.

©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004