Robert Leon "Pa" McNeill
1930 - 2020
Robert Leon "Pa" McNeill, 90,
of rural Newton entered eternal life on October 6.
He was born July 11, 1930, in Newton,
to Sylvester and Mary (Gronau) McNeill. He grew up on the family farm
near Whitewater, Kansas.
Robert was a life-long farmer and
retired from the Kansas State University Experiment Field – Harvey
County in 1995. He served his parish as an usher. He was a lifelong
member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a past Grand Knight and
District Deputy. Robert also served as treasurer of the Newton
Township Board. Throughout his lifetime he donated more than 5
gallons of blood for the Red Cross.
Besides being an active "Pa"
to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren he enjoyed attending
farm sales and weekly cattle auctions at Hutchinson, El Dorado and
Overbrook. He always looked forward to coffee every morning with his
buddies.
On February 20, 1954, he married
Dolores "Ma" Grochowsky in Newton. Together they celebrated
64 years of marriage. Pa is survived by his two sons, William
McNeill, Garden City, and Anthony (Penny) McNeill, Whitewater; six
daughters, Monica (Michael) Davis, Kathy (Warren) Wiens, and Michelle
(David) Watts all of Newton; Barbara (Dale) Durler, Wright; Diane
(Wally) Mack, Manhattan; and Janine (Brad) McGlachlin, Wichita; 27
grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren; a brother Patrick (Marcella)
McNeill, Overland Park, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife;
parents; brother William, and daughter-in-law Chris McNeill. Pa was
excited to be greeted in heaven by the infant grandchildren and
great-grandchildren who were waiting for him.
Mass of the Resurrection is scheduled
for Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church
in Newton, with The Reverend Nicholas Voelker Celebrant. Graveside
Committal Service will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Newton.
Visitation is from 2 to 5p.m. Friday at
Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will
be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 9 at St. Mary Catholic Church, in
Newton led by the Knights of Columbus. The family will receive
friends following the Rosary in the St. Mary Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be
made to Saint Mary Catholic Church Building Fund or the Lord's Food
Pantry.
