Lawrence Neely, Sr.

Lawrence Leo Neely, 80, of Huber Heights, Ohio died on Monday, June 27, 2011 from a longtime battle with diabetes at the Masonic Retirement Home in Springfield, Ohio.

Lawrence, or Larry, as he was affectionately known to friends and family, was born on November 24, 1930 in Tazewell, Tennessee. He was the youngest of 10 siblings of Bart Neely and Cordelia Linch Neely. After graduating Clayborne High School, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served for 21 years. During his service, he met and married LaDonna Mae Bowles of Dayton, Ohio. After serving his country, Mr. Neely began a career in sales at Weiler Welding in Dayton, Ohio. He worked at Weiler for 22 years, achieving Vice President in Sales.

Mr. Neely joined the Masons in 1990, and was a member of the Bradford Lodge # 593. He enjoyed fellowship and friendship through the Masons and had many volunteer opportunities, his longest at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Hospital. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, LaDonna Neely. Mr. Neely is survived by one brother; Audie Neely, his children; Lawrence Neely Jr., Judy Kline, and Lisa Rehms, and his grandchildren; James Kline, Jimmy Neely, Andrew Kline, Jessica Rehms, and Katherine Kline.

A graveside memorial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 2, Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, New Carlisle, followed by a gathering at the family home. Donations can be made to the Masonic Retirement Home in Springfield, Ohio, American Diabetes Association, and Hospice of Dayton.