John Thomas McNeel

John Thomas McNeel, age 59, died July 20, 2015 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS.He was born August 13, 1955 at Blue Island, IL, the son of David Herschel and Betty Jean (Gebert) McNeel.He was a 1974 graduate of Grand Island High School in Grand Island, NE. He later earned an Associates degree in Fire Science at Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, KS.John had worked with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline for 17 years where he was a maintenance mechanic. He had lived in Missouri for 15 years and during that time he was a professional long haul truck driver for Gieselman Trucking. He was also a certified EMT and was a former volunteer for Seward County Fire Department, Seward County EMS and Kiowa County EMS. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fan.On November 4, 1989, he married Betty Jo Carter in Greensburg, KS. She survives.Other survivors include:2 Daughters: Heather Jones and husband Walter “Eddie” of Mustang, OK Amy Bridenstine and husband Keith of Liberal, KS2 Grandchildren: Gage and Callen Bridenstine2 Brothers: David McNeel and wife Denise of Grand Island, NE Douglas McNeel and wife Robin of Houston, TX4 Sisters: Lynn Knodel and husband Ron of Grand Island, NE Donna Schroeter and husband Dave of Newman Grove, NE Darlene Higgins and husband Shane of Grand Island, NE Sara DeLawder and husband Larry of Branson, MOAnd many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents.Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2015 at First Southern Baptist Church in Liberal with Pastor Jack Jacob presiding. Memorial Contributions can be made to Seward County Fire and Rescue Benevolence Fund or Southwest Miracles in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901.