Ronald Earl Neal

Ronald Earl Neal, 78, of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 4, 2025, at 12:01 AM.

Born on April 30, 1946, in Big Spring, Texas, to John and Maurice Neal, he graduated from Permian High School in 1964. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam war from November 1966 to December 1967. In 1974, he earned a Bachelor's Degree from Sul Ross University.

He worked as a teacher at Permian high school. He was a teacher for 18 years and he worked at cable one until he was disabled.

He was a veteran of Vietnam war and served in the army and was awarded many medals. He was involved in Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion, life member of the VFW and DAV.

He was a member of First Baptist Church. He received an honorable discharge from the army. He received a quilt of honor from the daughters of the American Revolution.

He was married to Rita Elrod from 1968 to 1993, during which time they had two children, Ronnie and Natalie. He married Joana Yelley in 1997, and they shared 27 years together.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joana Neal; his son, Ronnie Neal and wife Kimberly of Odessa, Texas; his daughter, Natalie Neal of Claremore, Oklahoma; his step-son, Jason Yelley and wife Rachel of Reno, Nevada; his step-daughter, Jennifer Pittman and husband Brock of Odessa, Texas; his step-son, Teddy Yelley and wife Shayla of Odessa, Texas; his sisters, Rita Jo Ratliff of Benbrook, Texas, Sheron Ladd of Stafford, Texas; brother in law Roger Sheldon of Odessa, Texas; brother in law Bob Bonin of Brighton, Michigan; Jim Bonin and wife Sandie of Allen Park Michigan; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, John Neal; mother, Maurice Neal Harshman; stepfather, Gerald Skyler Harshman; and his brother Kenneth Neal.

The family of Ronnie Neal wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr Awosemo, Dr Bajaj, many nurses and staff members at the Cancer Center

The hospice nurse Melanie and nurse Jennifer Varner with Tripple C, our church family and pastors at First Baptist Church Odessa and all of Joana‘s close friends.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Dean Neal, Joey Neal, Destin Neal, Brock Pittman, Bryzik Pittman, and Bronson Pittman

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Family visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, also at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.