Neil Abel

Neil Abel of Rogers, AR died on December 23, 2011 at his home. He was born on August 20, 1933 in Jonesboro AR. He was the son of Marshall and Ruth Abel. Neil graduated from Arkansas State University, was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, and was a member of Monette Masonic Lodge #558.

Neil spent most of his life as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, teacher and coach. Neil spent the majority of his career as a High School basketball coach at Childress, Manila and Monette. Later in his career, he became the golf coach at Arkansas State University where he coached for twenty seven years and then was inducted into the Arkansas State University Hall of Honor in 2009. Neil cherished being a part of so many young people’s lives and making many great friendships through the years. He was a member of the Downtown Church of Christ in Rogers, AR. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Peggy Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Margaret Darr Abel of the home, his daughter and son-in-law Tammi and Tommy Mardis and his three grandchildren Kayce and Trey Mardis and Stacy Tidwell and her husband Drew Tidwell, all of Rogers Ar.; also a sister-in-law, Shelby Haney and her husband Loran of Jonesboro; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Darrell Bridges officiating. Burial will follow at Monette Cemetery.

Active pallbearers include: Jim Steele, David Faught, Dave Dailey, Gary Dawson, Chris Jenkins, Tim Reeves, and Mike Satterwhite.

Honorary pallbearers include: Ben Overman, Gene Vance, Morgan Gilbert, Tommy Towles, Larry “Friday Joe” Garrison, Lee Brun, Larry Lacewell, Chris Lacewell, Mike Gleghorn, Jeri Ann Winters, Chris Winters, and Brenda Berkel.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 27, 2011 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Arkansas State Golf Team, Church of Christ, or a charity of choice.