Alan Neal, age 96, of Canal Fulton, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on November 6, 2023. 

Alan was born on October 29, 1927 in Lancashire, England. He served in England’s Navy and then moved on to his career as a baker at the family bakery. In his 50’s, he felt called to ministry where he went on to become a pastor in the Anglican Church. He was serving as a vicar when the Pan AM Flight 103 crashed over Lockerbie Scotland. After this tragedy, he counseled and ministered to the victims’ family members and loved ones, many of whom became his dear friends. These close relationships led him to Troy, West Virginia, where he continued to serve the Lord as a Methodist pastor. One of these friendships was with Julia Morrison, also a pastor for the Methodist Church. After ten years of companionship, lots of banter, and sharing their love for God, they married and settled in Canal Fulton to enjoy their retirement and quality time with family and friends. 

Alan was preceded in death by his wife, Julia, his brother, Raymond Neal, his parents, Jessie and Noel Neal, and his best friend and brother-in-law, Denis Hardwick. He is survived by his daughter Heather (Paul) Morgan, his sister Jean, his close niece Fiona (David) Harris, other extended British relatives, his American family including step-children, Johanna Maas, Jonathan (Michele) Maas and Joel Maas, his step-grandchildren, Alena (David) Moore, Sasha (Clint) Word, Joshua (Katherine) Hesami, Megan (Zack) Maas, Ben Maas, Jonah Maas, Jailei Maas and Jasmine Maas, several step-great grandchildren, and new found family of church friends and neighbors. 

Alan was an avid golfer and all around golf enthusiast and even went on to play into his 90’s. He also loved soccer and cheering on his favorite teams, whether it be professional games on tv or at his step-grandchildren’s games. Though baking was no longer his career, it was a passion and Alan continued to bake bread, shortbread, rolls and other delicious treats up to the last few months of his life. He was a social butterfly and loved gatherings of any kind, especially if it included singing hymns and old songs with friends and family. He loved the Lord and looked forward to the day he could join Him and return to the loving arms of his wife, Julia. He will be greatly missed.

We will be holding a memorial service for Alan at Faith United Methodist Church, 300 9th St. NW, North Canton, Ohio in the Chapel at 6:00 pm with Pastor Thom Kalb performing this service. Afterwords, we will move to Royal Docks to gather together for a celebration of life.

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