Chris Lee Neil, 68, died Sunday, December 15, 2024, surrounded by people who loved him fiercely. While it is often said that someone was loved by everyone they met, it is rarely as true as it was with Chris. He liked people and was always quick with a warm welcome. Whether it was the Missouri Cousins, Wednesday night guys, the coffee crew at Spangles, co-workers, other side-by-siders, or random strangers in public, Chris was ready to have a genuine conversation.
Chris was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, a proud member of the Plumber’s Union No. 363, and retired from Kansas Gas Service. He was a member of the Wheat State Chapter of the ATHS.
Chris was the only child of Everett Lee Neil and Alta Faye Lawrence. Chris was blessed with multiple half and step-siblings.
He met the love of his life, Sue, on Main Street through mutual friends in 1975 and married her 10 months later on June 12, 1976. Their 48 years together were filled with love and adventures. Chris and Sue had 2 daughters and later welcomed 2 sons-in-law and 7 grandkids.
As their family grew, family meals were loud and full of laughter. Those meals were the place the grandkids learned Grandpa thought they were hilarious. He would work hard to not laugh out loud, but then he would shake with laughter.
Chris had the opportunity to travel with Sue after their respective retirements, side-by-siding in South Dakota and Colorado, cruising to Alaska and driving to antique truck shows. Through the years, Chris’ trucks were driven through many miles of the hills of Missouri.
Chris was preceded in death by his father Everett Lee Neil and by his step-father George Dewey Lawrence.
Chris is survived by: his wife of 48 years Sue (Poe) Neil; 2 daughters and their husbands, Crystal and Justin Frank and Danna and Matthew Douglas; grandkids, Carson Frank (Molly Carlton), Ryker Douglas, Sienna Douglas, Crislyn Frank, Brynlee Frank, Vaughn Douglas, and Langdon Douglas. He is also survived by: his mother, Alta Faye Lawrence; stepmother, Marilyn Dean Neil; half and step-siblings; and many beloved cousins.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2024, at Chris’ Shop.
Memorials may be made to Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County or Chris Neil Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.