HAROLD NEFF

On Feb. 12, 2008, the Lord welcomed home his newest angel, Harold Otto Neff.

Growing up on the western Kansas wheat fields during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl Days, Harold was the 3rd of 4 boys. At age 3 he lost his mother, but was thereafter blessed with a wonderful stepmother. Life on the farm taught Harold the value of honest labor, a strict work ethic, generosity of spirit, and most of all, the finely honed sense of humor that was his trademark.

In WW II, Harold proudly served his country as part of Omar Bradley's headquarter group. After returning from the war, Harold studied at Kansas State University, and action that created a life-long Wildcats fan and that resulted in his achieving a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It also resulted in his marriage to Jane Massey, the love of his life. For the next 60 years, Harold loved and cared for his wife, family, friends and a sometimes odd assortment of pets, with his unflagging positive outlook.

Harold was an esteemed member of the oil and gas community in the Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and other areas for over 60 years, and often remarked that every day spent at his work was a joy to him. Harold served as President of the Society of Professional Engineers, and was a member of the SPE, the East Texas branch of the SPE, and the Texas Professional Engineers Board. He received several special achievement and service awards from those professional organizations.

As an active member of the Tyler community for almost 60 years, Harold was a member of the Civitan Club, actively supported the Indian Guides and Boy Scout organizations, and served on the Airport Planning Board.

A vigorous man, Harold's hobbies included walking, hiking, bowling, volleyball and riding his beloved horses. Harold was also a great rock hound, who made and gave as gifts many pieces of beautiful hand made jewelry.

Harold was a man utterly convicted in his Christian faith; rock solid in his daily walk with the Lord. Over his 83 years, Harold served as a Sunday school teacher, Superintendent of Sunday school. Served on numerous church committees and as a deacon and elder of his church.

Harold was a

beloved son, husband,

father, brother, grandfather and greatgrandfather. To all those fortunate enough to know or work with him, he was known as honest, hardworking, loyal, ethical, devoted, loving, funloving and joyful. His affable nature brought joy to, and his plain, honest values influenced many lives.

Harold Neff was the kind of man the world needs more of - it's easy to see why the Lord wanted this happy soul back. We will miss him every day until our reunion in heaven.

Celebration of the life of Harold Otto Neff was held 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2008 at the Fifth Street Presbyterian church with Rev's. Steve Simmons and Mike Bowen officiating. Burial will follow at the Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery, services under the direction of Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Directors.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Brian Neff, Brad Neff, Brandon Neff, Robin Neff, Chris Neff and Alex Stovall.

Honorary pallbearer is his granddaughter, Amy Stovall.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Edward G. Neff and Mary Waechter Neff; step-mother, Alice Harkness Neff; brother, Art Neff and grandson, Chance Neff.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jane Neff of Tyler; sons, Mark Harold Neff and wife Tedra of Longview, Tom Neff and wife Susan of Tyler; daughters, Carla Robertson and husband Jim of Hewitt, Marilee Neff Doud and husband Ben of Evergreen, CO; brothers; Vernon Neff and wife Pauline and Donald Neff and wife Cleone all of Lakin, KS; grandchildren, Robin Neff and husband Kelly, Chris Neff, Brian Neff and wife Melody, Brad Neff, Brandon Neff, Alex Stovall and Amy Stovall; great grandchildren, Caleb Neff, Cole Neff and Abigail Neff; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials maybe made to the American Heart Association.