Duane Richard Neal's Obituary
Duane Richard Neal, 91, of Bentonville, Arkansas, died on August 6th, 2024, at the Jamestown Rehabilitation Center in Rogers, AR after a battle with pneumonia. Duane was born on August 5th, 1933, in Cedarville, AR, the oldest child of Franklin Neal and Rosie Lea Riddle (Neal ).
After graduating high school in Alma, AR , he went on to attend the University of Arkansas and got a degree in mechanical engineering and a became lifelong Razorback fan! In 1958 he joined the United States Airforce where his specialty was guided missiles. He remained in the reserves for 8 years. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Mary Justice, and they enjoyed 60 happy years together.
Duane was a distinguished Industrial Engineer whose professional contributions spanned many years and left a lasting impact on the industry. He spent 22 years with Emerson Electric and eventually became the plant manager at the Rogers, Arkansas plant overseeing 1,600 employees. He then finished the last 19 years of his career with FM Corporation in Rogers, where he served as President and Chief Operations Officer before retiring in 1997.
His expertise extended well beyond his career as he played a significant role in shaping both the Benton County and the Arkansas State Republican Party; demonstrated by his deep engagement with his community and the political process.
He spent 4 terms on the Benton County Quorum Court; 2 years as Finance Chair. He became the 1rst Vice Chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party in 2008, he chaired the State party rules committee for 8 years, he was a Vice President of the Arkansas Republican Assembly, served as chairman and finance chair of the Benton County Committee, and was an Arkansas Delegate to three Republican National Conventions.
In addition to politics, Duane was appointed Benton County Treasure 2003-2004. Duane is a past charter president of the Association for Beaver Lake Environmental and served on the Beaver Lake Advisory Committee, a former director of the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce, a past Rotary President and Paul Harris Fellow, a past chairman of the Industrial Division for United Way, served as secretary, treasurer, VP, and president of Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineering, a member of the Committee of 50 for NWACC, and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He and Mary were also longtime supporters of the University of Arkansas Industrial Engineering School and Athletics program.
Duane lived a life marked by a deep faith in God, dedication to others, service and integrity. He was always willing to step up and lend a hand! He and Mary were members of the Rogers Immanuel Baptist church for many years.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Mary Neal, and his sister Bobbie J Gulley of Grain Valley, MO. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends who cherished his wisdom and kindness.
Duane was laid to rest at the Benton County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Rogers, AR and family and friends are invited to a celebration of Duane’s life on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Rogers, AR. with Dr Thomas Hatley of Immanuel Baptist Church, Rogers, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, to continue Duane’s legacy of supporting conservative candidates for office, memorial contributions may be made to the Benton County Republican Committee, PO Box 1678, Bentonville, AR 72712.
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