Reverend Roger Dale Neal

Reverend Roger Dale Neal, age 66, of Greenfield, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 20 at Community Hospital North. He was born on January 26, 1950 in New Castle, Indiana as the son of Dewey F. and Ella L. (Huckaby) Neal. Roger married Annetta C. (Denney) on January 17, 1969 and they had one daughter: Robyn. Reverend Neal accomplished many things and had many interests in his life. His first love was to work for God in any way possible. As he said many times, “I want to work in God’s vineyard as long as I can.” He was saved at the age of 14 and continued his walk with God until the end of his life. Roger had a heart for and loved the people of Haiti. He made several trips there to minister and took supplies and clothing. His special friend there was Reverend Dieuseul. Roger also was pastor of Cambridge Apostolic Church in Cambridge City, Indiana for over 10 years, until failing health prevented his continuing. He was known for his integrity, work ethic, consistency, and his desire to learn new things. One of his many sayings was, “I want to be learning something new until I die.” Even after his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, he took up beekeeping! He enjoyed photography, beekeeping, archery, airbrushing, horsemanship, hunting, fishing, cooking, 4-wheeling and playing the guitar. He also enjoyed flying small aircraft, and was a licensed private and commercial pilot. He loved to garden and once raised over 900 lbs. of watermelon in one season! Roger was a carpenter and was a self-employed builder for many years. He retired in skilled trades from Chrysler Corporation, was a certified CDL truck driver, and completed his high school education, along with some college courses. He had previously owned two businesses in New Castle: Neal’s Sales and Service and R&R Archery. Reverend Neal is survived by his wife, Annetta, daughter Robyn A. (William E. Jr.) Smith, of Fortville; siblings: James (Lillian) Neal of Missouri, Rosemary Disbro of New Castle, and Victor (Tammy) Neal of Hagerstown; two grandchildren: Catherine A. Smith and William E. Smith III; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents: Dewey and Ella Neal, and infant sister, Robin Neal. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. also at the mortuary. Reverend Daniel Shafer and Reverend Larry Neal will be officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Summit Cemetery in Mt. Summit. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent directly to Haiti Missions: c/o Reverend Paul Perkins, 78 Francie Blvd., Monticello, KY 42633, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.

Reverend Roger Dale Neal

January 26, 1950 - September 20, 2016