SOUTH PARIS — John Elliot Neal, 79, of 176 Stewart Ave., Farmington, passed peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at the South Paris Veterans’ Home, where he had resided since Sept. 9, 2010.

He was born June 19, 1931, in Farmington, the son of Clyde Sanborn and Kathryn (Rolf) Woodworth Neal. He was educated in the schools of Mount Vernon and Farmington, receiving his GED in 1966.

He was a veteran, having served for three years in the U.S. Army; two of those years, he served in Berlin, Germany. He was honorably discharged as a corporal.

On Sept. 3, 1954, he married Marjorie Etta Fitch.

For several years, he worked with his father as a mechanic. He later worked for Lewis Fitch Lumber Co. and in 1966, he began his 20 career at IP in Jay.

John enjoyed his memberships in the New Sharon Historical Society, the American Legion Post 28 of Farmington and Masonic Lodge 99 of Mount Vernon. His hobbies included hunting, playing cards and bowling. His creativity could be seen in his unique woodworking projects that included tables, clocks, specialty furniture and mirrors.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie of Farmington; their three sons, Kenneth Lewis Neal and his wife, Jo, of Rumford Point, Robert Elliot Neal and his wife, Deanne, of East Wilton and David Albert Neal of New Vineyard; five grandchildren, Ryan E. Neal and his wife, Kim, of Theresa, N.Y., Jenna M. Neal of Fairbanks, Danielle M. Neal of Wilton and Sarah Neal and Hannah Neal, both of Industry; their mother, Nicola Witt of Industry; three great-grandchildren, Colton Welch of Fairbanks, Riley Neal and Karley Neal, both of New York; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Clyde S. Neal in 1992 and Kathryn Woodworth Neal in 1982; brothers, Frank Stanley Neal in 1979 and Ray Arthur Neal in 2001; and a sister, Florence Eva Kelly in 1991.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with the Neal Family at www.wilesrc.com.