Weldon F Neel

Weldon Farnham Neel, 92, passed away peacefully at home in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, January 7, 2023. He was born to Myrtle Farnham and Weldon Neel on March 3, 1930 in Delta, Colorado. He grew up on a large orchard farm with his three siblings, Doreen, Ralph, and Keith. On June 13, 1959, Weldon married the love of his life, Tassie Lillian Lockhart. Together, they had their only daughter, Tanya Neel Lawrence.

Weldon attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. There, he received his degree in electrical engineering and began a career in aeronautical engineering. He contributed to the design of the Boeing 767 and 777, B2 Stealth Bomber and was a part of the Saturn Spacecraft Project. He was proud to show his family the videos of these creations. He served in the New Mexico National Guard for five years. Weldon also served in Germany during the Korean Conflict.

Weldon knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was steadfast in both his faith and personal convictions. He had a heart for missions and sharing the love of Jesus. He was a member of Gideons International and served as an elder at the churches he attended with the most recent being Grace Covenant Church, in Arlington, Texas. He helped found The Navigators Group (a ministry focused on sharing the Gospel and helping others develop their relationship with Christ) at New Mexico State University, and continued supporting Navigators International throughout his life. He was also an active missionary to the Navajo Nation. He was a faithful man.

Weldon was an avid gardener and was known to share his fascination for nature with those he loved. He enjoyed cross-germinating plants to create unusual varieties, such as purple potatoes and carrots. He will always be known for the rhubarb he grew and the delicious pies that were made from it. Weldon was often found in his garden or with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Tassie Lockhart Neel; mother, Myrtle Farnham Neel; father, Weldon Neel; sister, Doreen Neel Parker and brother, Keith Neel. He is survived by his brother, Ralph Neel, and only child, Tanya Neel Lawrence (Darrell). Weldon was the grandfather of Jesse (Delaney) and Isabel Lawrence. He was the uncle to many nieces and nephews.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Celebration Arrangements to come.