ROBERT H. NEELEY, age 99, of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2013 at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. Robert had been a Northwest Indiana resident for 60 years and served as Staff Sgt. during WWII in the Army in the European, Middle Eastern, African and Asian Theatres. He was a member of the Hobart VFW Post #5365 and retired from Republic/LTV Steel in East Chicago. Robert enjoyed gardening and raised vegetables which he donated to the Food Pantry. He was a member of Barrington Ridge Baptist Church.
He is survived by his son, Dan (Jeanie) Neeley of Show Low, AZ and his daughter, Bobbie Jean (Roy) Goodwin of Valparaiso, 8 grandchildren: grandson, Ron Dees, who was his caretaker & best friend, grandsons: Frank Dees, Michael Dees and Russell Goodwin; granddaughters: Tamatha Goodwin, Bobbie Cervi, Robin Deffenall and Susan Brown, 15 great grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren and nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Ola E. Neeley, daughter Willia Dees and 8 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 11:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, with Pastor Bill Gibbs officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery Mausoleum in Valparaiso, Indiana. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm with a VFW service at 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 219-942-2109 or online www.ReesFuneralHomes.com.