Thomas "Joe" Neel

Thomas “Joe” Neel, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2017 with his loving wife Sheena by his side. Joe was born on July 12, 1931 in Mineral Wells, TX and was the only child of Retha and Clifford Neel. He graduated from Mineral Wells High School and then went on to play football at Ranger Junior College and on to Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. He served in the Army during the Korean War and played football for Fort Sam Houston before going to Germany where he set up sports programs. Joe married Sheena Currie in 1958 in Rockport, TX. They moved to Albuquerque in 1971.

Joe is survived by his wife Sheena Neel, his son Jeff Neel (wife Carole) of Las Vegas, NV and his daughter Traci Neel Dondanville (husband Steve) of Walnut Creek, CA, as well as his grandchildren (Jeffrey, Caitlin, Austin, Ryan, Mackenzie & Morgan). Joe’s son, Chris Neel, passed away in 2014.

Joe was a beloved husband, father & grandfather and enjoyed coaching and watching his children’s sports, spending time with his family and grandchildren, and fishing when he could. He was especially fond of golfing and fishing with his sons, and being a part of the “Bass Bums” in Albuquerque. Joe was a gentle man with a big heart, a contagious smile and a dry sense of humor. Joe will be dearly missed by many.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center, 1709 Moon St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112-3973, 505-271-0329.