Mr. Elton E. Neel, age 85, of Crockett, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011 in the East Texas Medical Center-Crockett. Mr. Neel was born July 29, 1926 in Grapeland to J. H. (Howard) and Bertie Henderson Neel. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army. He married Maurine Curry on April 26, 1947 and moved to Houston to work for his aunt and uncle at Fuller Food Products. Mr. Neel then went to work for Lance Products for several years until moving back to Crockett to take over his parent's grocery store, Neel's Grocery. He owned and operated the store until his retirement. His legendary hamburgers and hotdogs are still talked about today. Mr. Neel and his son, Jimmy, also own N & N Bonding which he was still actively involved.

He is survived by his children, Belinda and Randy Allee of Crockett, Jimmy and Brenda Neel of Crockett and Gregory Neel of Augusta; grandchildren, Lisa Allee of San Francisco, CA , Jamie and Melissa Allee of Crockett, Joshua and Laura Neel of Crowley, Jeremy and Brittney Neel of Crockett and Halie Farek of Crockett; great-grandchildren, James and John Allee and Riley and Tatum Neel of Crockett and Austin Stowe of Crockett; brother-in-law, Wayne Curry of Elkhart; several nieces, nephews and cousins; Also many longtime devoted family friends. Preceded in death by his wife, Maurine Curry Neel in 2002 and parents, J. H. (Howard) Neel in 1988 and Bertie Henderson Neel in 2001.

Funeral services for Mr. Elton E. Neel will be held Friday, September 9, 2011 at 2 p m in the Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel with Jamie Allee and Pastor Tim Allen officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park. Family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Water's Edge Ministries, 605 East Goliad, Suite 100, Crockett, TX 75835.

CALLAWAY-ALLEE FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements