Tom L. Neal, age 81, of Linn Creek, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach. He was born in Crocker on January 20, 1945, son of the late Howard and Marie (Krouse) Neal. On December 24, 1966, in Crocker, Tom was united in marriage to Susan (Glawson) Neal, who survives at their home.

Tom was a graduate of Crocker High School and was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in the simple blessings of life. He had a deep love for hunting, and he shared that passion with his family, passing down not only the tradition itself but also the joy and memories that came with it. He cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Their love meant everything to him, and he lived each day guided by a deep and abiding faith.

He was a member of the Iberia Masonic Lodge where he received his 50-year pin and was an active and devoted member of Camdenton United Methodist Church, where he served as administrative trustee and sang in the choir. He later attended Linn Creek Baptist Church. Tom will be remembered for his kind heart, his steady presence, and the love he shared with those around him.

As a career educator, Tom devoted over 35 years to teaching industrial arts, a profession he embraced with a genuine love for helping others learn, and took great pride in guiding his students, earning him the “Teacher of the Year” award twice. He made a lasting difference in the lives of many young people who were fortunate to learn from him.

In addition to his beloved wife, Susan, Tom is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jana (Stephen Starwalt) Schaefer; his son, Dr. Ryan (Michelle) Neal; and his cherished grandchildren, William Starwalt, Delaney (Nicholas) Andolino, Broden (Yassmin) Schaefer, Winton Neal, Aidan (AubryAnna) Neal, and Aubrey Neal. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law Alan (Sherry Jo) Glawson, Keith (Susan LeAnn), and (Karen) Glawson, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Marie Neal. brother and sister-in-law, H. Wayne (Shirley) Neal, in-laws Joseph and Faith Glawson, and brother-in-law Joe Paul Glawson.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral service immediately following at 12:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Camdenton United Methodist Church, 340 West Highway 54, Camdenton, MO 65020. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at Crocker Cemetery in Crocker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the College of the Ozarks Alumni Association, P.O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726-9986.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.