Verlon Spurgeon Larry Neill

Verlon Spurgeon Larry Neill, 70, died March 20, 2013 at his home in Lakeside surrounded by family. He fought a hard battle with cancer for months. Verlon was born to Gene and Maredia Neill in July 1942. He was born in a cabin by Black River. The closest town was Corning, Arkansas. He grew up mostly in the South and West. He went to school in Arkansas, Texas, California, Nevada and Arizona. He loved living on the ranch in Nevada. Verlon came to the White Mountains in July 1961. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1962. He met and married Viola Hansen of Lakeside in August 1963. Verlon was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in April 1966. He served his country in Vietnam from Fall of 1967 to December 1968.He earned the rank of Sargent (combat promotion). After being honorably discharged He returned to Lakeside and his wife Vi. Verlon worked for Southwest Forest Industries, sawmill in McNary, Show Low Police Department, Fort Apache Timber Co., Western Pine Sales in Snowflake and finally the Paper Mill in Snowflake. He retired from the Paper Mill after 25 years as an Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor. He was a reserve officer with Navajo County Sheriff's Office for 13 years and a member of the SWAT team. He was a good son and helped take care of his Mother for 25 years after his Dad died. He was a great Brother, Husband, Father and Grandfather. He truly believed in family first. Verlon liked to go prospecting but never "struck it rich." He enjoyed camping with family and friends. In his youth he liked to hunt but after Vietnam that interest changed. He could fix almost anything and his kids called him MacGyver. Verlon is survived by his wife, Vi of Lakeside; daughters, Helen (Brian) Henderson of Lakeside & Carol (Steven) Maxwell of Taylor; sons, Evan Neill of Mesa, Luke (Sarah) Neill of Gilbert & Dirk (Laura) Neill of Medford Oregon; sisters, Cornellia (Leroy) Novak of Texas, Carlene (Don) Tisdale of Show Low & Linda (Spike) Probasco of Show Low; grandchildren: Brianna (Matthew) Link, Bryce, Shannin, Patrik & Rilee Henderson, Chloe & June Maxwell, Hayden & Ginny Neill and great-grandson; Camden Link who will be born in June and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, La Vonna Jean and grandson, Derrick Reid Henderson. The family would like to thank Summit Healthcare Cancer Center, Summit Healthcare Home Health & Hospice Compassus for their care and kindness. A viewing will be held Sunday, March 24, 2013 from 6:00 -8:00 PM at the Owens Livingston Mortuary-White Mountain Chapel 320 N. 9th Street Show Low and at 9:00 AM, Monday March 25, 2013 just prior to the funeral services which will begin at 10:00 AM at the Pinetop-Lakeside Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1520 Church Lane, Lakeside, Arizona. Burial will follow at the Lakeside Cemetery.