Mr. Robert Welch Bobby Neel, age 73, of Hope, Arkansas, formerly of Arkadelphia, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2013, at Wadley Regional Medical Center at Hope. He was born November 1, 1939 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Rufus and Marie Welch Neel. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother; Joe Charles Neel. Bobby is a 1957 graduate of Arkadelphia High, where he played football and was the only All State Player named from the team. He was a member of the Arkansas National Guard that was federalized by President Dwight Eisenhower during the desegregation of Central High in the fall of 1957. He joined the US Air Force and served 4 years at Barksdale Air Force Base and Puerto Rico. Returning to Clark County, he became an Arkansas State Trooper stationed in Paris, Arkansas before being transferred to Hope. He served the state proudly, 15 years in the highway division and 15 years in the criminal investigation division. During this time he was a certified flight instructor and a founding member of Southwest Arkansas Aviation. Retiring from the ASP in 1995, he worked in the US Census in 2000 and for the county during the 2003 ice storm clean-up. His life was spent in the service and hard work on behalf of family, his country, his state and his friends. He is survived by his wife, of 23 years, Jeanice Leverett Neel of Hope, his two sons; Robert Robby Neel, Jr. and wife, Connie of Patterson, Louisiana and Jeffrey Shawn Neel and wife, Cyndi of Bryant, Arkansas, his daughter; Karen Lyons of Hope, a brother; Tommy C. Neel and wife, Mabel of Arkadelphia,12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimers Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or to the Arkansas State Police Association 5702 Dreher Lane, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00pm, Friday, August 23 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope. Graveside service, 10:00am, Saturday, August 24 at Richwoods Cemetery near Gum Springs, Arkansas. Dr. Marvin Pate will officiate the service. Arrangements Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com