Leo Neeley

Leo J. Neeley, 63, was taken too soon saying goodbye to his unique world on May 6, 2023 when he passed unexpectedly at home.

They broke the mold after Leo was born to the late Marion Neeley & the late Irene Neeley (Tamai) on March 31st 1960 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the youngest of three and their first son already having 2 older sisters Patricia and Marlyna. Leo attended kindergarten thru 3^rd grade at Northwood Elementary School. Completing his education in Augusta and Galesburg Schools, when his parents moved to G Ave in Augusta.  

Leo spent his adolescences doing what most kids did at the time rock & roll and raising hell, making mischief with Mike and his friends. Upon leaving school he held down several jobs, before signing up with the Navy to serve his country. He was stationed in San Diego as a mechanic, until he was honorably discharged in 1984.

When he returned to Michigan, he got a job at Hi-Lex there he met the love of his life, Cathleen. Some to this day don’t entirely understand their union for they are complete opposites. They say opposites attract well they attracted hard for soon they had the first of their children. But not before they tied the knot on December 7th 1985 spending the next 37 adventurous years together.

Growing up in Leo’s household was never dull for he was a perfect example of growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional. A responsible father and loving husband but he didn’t let his age dictate his joys in life which included showing his love by embarrassing, picking on and teasing his wife & kids.

His influence on them ranged from large to small things like his love of hunting, ice fishing, & rock music to his sense of humor, quick with a comeback, sarcasm & a laugh that you didn’t just hear but felt as it was loud and contagious

During these years of loving, laughing, arguing and utter chaos of life he spent 27 years as a truck driver, laborer, and operator at Heystek, Steve’s trucking, J Allen & company, J &S ventures, Lacombe Trucking, J& L Milling, Powell Custom Home, Catskill, Balkema & Taplin. Having winters off he spent his time as Mr. Mom making sure chores were done and his wife came home to a hot meal, along with snow plowing for family and friends. Stubborn, foul mouthed & his love for dirty jokes he was known for having a large heart doing what he could for those he loved, a give the shirt off your back type through and through.

Along with his beloved wife Cathleen Neeley (Olds), he is survived by his two older sisters Patricia Marino and Marlyna Allerding. his memories, sense of humor and genes will continue in his children Jason Neeley (deceased), Lance Neeley (Cassie), Scott Neeley, Jennifer Neeley, and Samantha Neeley as well as his grandchildren Zoee & Hunter Neeley.

After jokingly telling us to bury him in the back yard next to the dogs much to his dismay he will be properly laid to rest next to his son Jason on Saturday May 13th at Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg

Leo despised formal wear and stuffiness and would be mad as hell if his sendoff was anything like this, so come as you are casual- blue jeans, t-shirts, and work boots welcome. Come tell stories, dirty jokes or just do as Leo would and B.S. around.

Family will receive friends Friday, May 12, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a service Saturday, May 13^th at 1:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.  Interment will follow to Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, MI.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.