Bill Neel

William O. "Bill" Neel, 57, of Chetopa, passed away at 8:06 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born January 3, 1962 in Loma Linda, California, to William O. Neel, III and Sharen D. (Lyke) Neel.  As a young boy, he grew up in California before moving to Rogers, Arkansas at the age of 12.  He graduated from Rogers High School.

Following high school, he owned and operated an auto body shop in Bentonville, Arkansas.  He later returned to Chetopa where he worked at Molle Automotive in Pittsburg and owned and operated Bill's Antique Shop in Chetopa.  Bill especially enjoyed meeting people and helping them choose something special for their home.

He enjoyed repairing houses, furniture, and cars, especially Corvettes.  He was a member of a Corvette Club.

Survivors include:

His Mother – Sharen Neel of Bentonville, AR

His Son – Nick Neel of Chetopa, KS

Two Grandchildren

His Companion – Wendy Russell of the home; and her children, Jesse Russell of Parsons, KS and Jordan Fuller of Oswego, KS

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Isaiah Neel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call at their convenience from noon until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Nick Neel Education Fund to facilitate completion of his welding degree.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.