John Robert Neeley

John Robert Neeley (Bob), age 90 of Spring, TX, formerly of Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully and into the arms of the Lord July 27, 2023. He was born on August 31, 1932, son of the late Violet Kinney-Neeley and Earl St. Clair Neeley. He was the devoted husband of the late Donna Jean Holderby-Neeley (pictured above) and the late Paula Jacob.

A humble and faithful man grounded in his Christian faith, he always expressed the utmost in integrity, honesty and an excellent work ethic with unsurpassed devotion to his family and friends.

Bob was born in Shelbyville, IL, but he considered Carmi, IL his hometown. While in Carmi, he had the opportunity to do on-air work for WROY radio. He was a 1950 graduate of Carmi High School however, he was blessed with the opportunity to call Waikiki, Hawaii home during one year of high school, traveling to and from the mainland on the SS Lurline.

After starting college at the University of Illinois, he joined the United States Air Force and was a graduate of Pilot Training Class 54F. He then served as a pilot flying the RB-47E in the 91st Aerial Reconnaissance Wing based at Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, Ohio from 1954-1957, where he met his wife, Donna.

Upon achieving his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Indiana University in 1960, he joined the Standard Oil Company of Ohio, serving in various management roles spanning nearly 25 years, with the majority of his career based in Cleveland, Ohio.

An avid and exceptional pilot, he flew as a private pilot into his mid 60’s and continued to enjoy flying as co-pilot with his son-in-law and three grandsons.

A talented and gifted musician, he played the saxophone in many bands throughout his life, with the most memorable being Carmi High School, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini Marching Band and the Air Force Squadron Band.

He had a great love for power boating and fishing, navigating the waters of Lake Erie (Vermilion, OH) Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico (Anna Maria Island, Florida.)

He had a passion and love for the game of golf, making sure to take every opportunity to swing a club, weather permitting.

Beloved and loving father and father-in-law of Lynn Neeley-Rufo of Naperville, IL, Michael Robert Neeley (Pamela) of Spring, TX and Diane Neeley-Duncan (Mark) of Brighton, MI. Dearest grandad to Daniel Rufo, Jason Rufo (Lauren), Adrienne Rufo (Brad Rathe), Michael Duncan, Matthew Duncan, and Kyle Duncan. Brother-in-law to Norma Mills and the late Martin Mills. Cousin to Emily Sue Brookover-Spraetz, Timothy Brookover, John Rice and the late Rebecca Rice-Stanley. Uncle to Kathleen Mills-Ayers (Michael) and Kimberly Mills-McWilliams (Tom). Great uncle to Emily Rowe and Anna Bradley and Cameron Cantrell and the McWilliams children.

Military Honors will be rendered at the Committal Service planned for a later date at Glen Rest Memorial Estate in Reynoldsburg, Ohio (near Columbus) located at 8029 E. Main Street.

In Lieu of flowers, Bob and the family have requested for memorial donations be made to the following nonprofit organizations:

● Shriners Children’s Hospital

● Tunnels to Towers Foundation

● The Salvation Army

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidechampions.com for the Neeley family.