Arthur H. Neal passed away July 19, 2019, at his home in Benton.
He was born May 29, 1926, to Earl and Audrey (Stites) Neal. He grew up and graduated from Benton Township High School in 1944.
After high school he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Seabees in Guam. Coming home he worked in area coal mines and then owned Neal and Son in Benton for many years. Throughout his time in business, he served on several bank and community boards.
He married Fay Cantrell March 29, 1947, and together they shared more than 67 years of marriage.
He is survived by a daughter, Ilana Ing, and a son, Jim (Jamie) Neal. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Jason Ing, Mikala(John) Wilder, Abby (Tim) Kathalynas, and Adam Neal; five great-grandchildren, Josh Wilder, Hannah Wilder, Beckett Wilder, Bronson Wilder and Harlynn Kathalynas; his sisters, Loy (Jiggs) Whalen of Metropolis and Mildred Smith of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Fay, and two brothers, Eugene and Frank.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Military honors will be conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW posts and the Navy Honors Team.
Morton and Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to send online condolences please visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
