Mikel Leonard Neal, who resided near Lavaca, Arkansas, passed Sunday, February 26, 2023, at his home. He was born on December 5, 1942, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the late Leonard Neal and Stella Marie (Hartley) Neal. He was 80 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Roger James and Mitchell Neal.

Mike entered the U.S. Army in 1961 serving as a medic in Heidelberg, Germany attaining the rank of SGT having made friends that endured a lifetime. After serving his country, he was employed by the Arkansas Highway Department retiring after 45 years. He was the Scoutmaster for Troop 58. He enjoyed that time immensely recalling those times the remainder of his life. He was an avid student of our country's early history attending many mountain man rendezvous in the region making camp as authentic to the time period as possible. Mike surrendered his life to Jesus Christ attending services at Union Baptist Church and was a member of Greenwood First Baptist Church faithfully attending until his health started to fail.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 3rd at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, followed by military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston. Officiating the service will be Bro, Randy Hogan. Burial of cremains will be at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann (Clem) Neal; a son, Mikel David Neal of Lavaca; one granddaughter, Ryleigh Newhart and husband Hayden of Fort Smith; one grandson, Luke Neal of Lavaca; and a brother, Manuel Neal and wife Virginia of Charleston.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday night at the funeral home.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.