Kenny Neal

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Kenny Neal (84) of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away on February 17, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Kenny was the Sarcoxie Ford Dealer “Where customers send their friends,” but he was much more: He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, business leader, and friend.

Kenny became the provider for his mother (Pauline Lewsader) and brother (Charlie Wayne Neal) at twelve years old when his father left.

He demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit early, shining shoes, working at the Sarcoxie Nursery, and getting a loan to buy a lawn mower to do lawns around the community. At 17, he left Sarcoxie High School to join the Army and better provide for his family becoming a paratrooper and medic during his 2-year service. Kenny returned home and went to work for Eagle Picher for 10 years. 

 During that time, he married his first wife Barbara and saved money for his future car business. He started his first car lot on East 7th Street in Joplin in 1963 working there in the evenings and weekends. His beloved daughter Karen (Woolever) was born the following year and a few years later his son Jeff was born. 

In the early seventies, he left Eagle Picher and bought a service station and car lot in Duenweg. Through hard work and long hours, Neal Motor Company became a success as customers from all over came to “Deal with Neal.” Kenny also served as Duenweg’s mayor during that time.

In 1980, U.S. Representative Gene Taylor approached his former student, Kenny, about purchasing his Ford dealership in Sarcoxie. Kenny Neal Ford became one of the most successful small dealerships in Missouri and a big supporter of the local community. 

Kenny with the help of his outstanding team of employees made donations to the Rainbow Girls, various high school clubs and teams, as well as the local masonic lodge. Kenny was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. 

In 1986, Kenny married his cherished wife of nearly 36 years, Linda Neal. Linda became a popular teacher at Wildwood Elementary School. Linda supported Kenny’s endeavors throughout his life and her involvement was essential in the operation of Kenny Neal’s Pre-Owned in Wentworth. Kenny, the salesman, sold his last car at the age of 82 and lived happily with Linda and Buddy, their dog, until his recent illness.

Kenny is survived by his wife Linda, his two children, Karen and Jeff, his daughter-in-law, Carolina, his two grandchildren, Nicolas and Sofia and Karen’s granddaughter Danica, his stepsons Tyler and Brian Green, Tyler’s wife Brynja, their sons Daniel and Alex, and Brian’s sons Parker, Carson, and Bennett.

 

Kenny’s parents, Earnest and Pauline, his brother Charlie Wayne, and his son-in-law Danny Woolever preceded him in death.

Throughout Kenny’s business life, he “ran a hundred to make a hundred.” He had a reputation for fairness and for ensuring his customers were satisfied. Kenny could make a deal with anyone, but for him the key was ensuring they would return to make another deal. Repeat customers were the norm, and his out-going personality and genuine concern for others gained him friends throughout the region.

Kenny’s family is holding a memorial for him at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie at 2:00 pm on Saturday the 2nd of March. The short memorial service will be followed by a visitation to share stories of Kenny’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospitals in care of Housh-Goodwin.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, in Sarcoxie, Missouri.

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