Robert L. Neill, 96, of East Liberty and formerly of Plain City, passed away peacefully Friday evening, April 6, 2018, at his residence. Born Aug. 19, 1921, at home in Plain City, Bob was a decorated World War II Army Air Corps veteran serving with the 455th Air Service Squadron where he flew B17 Bomber raids over mainland Japan.
He was a member of the American Legion and Delaware VFW posts. Bob was very active in the Jerome area where he and his wife, Dottie farmed and were lifetime Farm Bureau members. He was a member of the Jerome United Methodist Church and served on the Jerome Township Appeals Board for 30 years. Bob drove a school bus for Dublin City Schools for 30 years. Bob and Dottie spent many winters in Florida and retired to a small farm in East Liberty. They attended the East Liberty United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his children, David (Janice) Neill, Dan (Bobbie) Neill, Linda Swinehart, Steve (Kathy) Neill, Scott (Pandora) Neill and Jeff Miller; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard ( Norma) Neill; and sister-in-law, Ruth Neill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Ollie Tossey Neill; his loving wife of more than 69 years, Dorothy A. “Dottie” Sidell Neill, who died in 2016; brothers, Floyd, Clarence and Merle; and sisters, Betty Veley, Violet Fawcett, Mary Myers, Lucille Clark and Ruth Auckerman.
Calling is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at the Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 E. Main St. (west State Route 161), Plain City, where the funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12, with Pastor Linda Dulin-Moore officiating. Burial is in Jerome Township Cemetery, Plain City, with full military honors by the Union County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Loving Care Hospice, 779 London Ave., Marysville, OH 43040.
Express condolences at fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com.