Gordon Wayne Neal, 81, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on August 5, 2024. The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 7th at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church located at 6429 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Raytown, Missouri 64133. Family will receive guests from 10am with service beginning at 11am. 

Gordon was born on July 26, 1943 in Sedalia, Missouri to Robert Carl and Esther Gladys Neal. He grew up there until later venturing off to CMSU where he pursued his Master’s in Education. While on a summer break from college working at JCPenney’s he met Margaret.  When he picked her up for their first date, he learned she was his minister’s daughter. They went out for a Coke and came straight back home! The charming farm boy from Sedalia eventually won her heart over and the blessing of her father to seek her hand in marriage.  Their love story flourished into 59 years of marriage. During those years they welcomed a family, made unforgettable memories, and established a legacy that will continue to live on through the lives of those he loved. 

After graduating college, he worked in the Hickman Mills school district teaching 7 & 8th grade Industrial Arts. He went on to pursue his own business as an owner of two American Handicraft stores that lead to House of Frames. In 1988 he opened Neal’s Gallery and Frame shop located in Kansas City, Missouri. 

As well as being a successful business man, Gordon also had a naturally green thumb. Some of the fondest memories of Gordon’s children and grandchildren are of him putting his green thumb to use in their greenhouse and landscaping his surroundings. He was featured in the Better Home and Gardens Parade of Homes for his serene lily ponds. He enjoyed sharing his green thumb with others often potting plants for his grandchildren to take home. If you had a plant that needed saving, he was your guy!  

The memories don’t stop in the garden. Every holiday Gordon created magical moments especially during Christmas when he’d hide $5 in the Lifesavers packaging tucked in everyone’s Christmas stockings. Day-to-day was made special when brewing and sharing a morning cup of coffee with his daughter Cindy, when sharing his hugs and providing a safe place in his warm embrace with his daughter Peggy, or when simply passing along a smile to brighten someone else’s day, are amongst the little things that will be missed deeply. 

Gordon also dedicated many years of service to the Kansas City Golden Gloves as a tournament director. One year, at the National Golden Gloves tournament in Las Vegas, he and Margaret were extras in the movie Black Cloud, directed by Rick Shroder. He also selflessly served as a Deacon at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church where he was a member of over 50 years. His willingness to do anything for anyone that needed help is another void he leaves behind that will be missed by those that knew him. 

Gordon’s survivors include his loving wife Margaret Neal; his daughters Cindy “Kissing Rabbit” Neal and Peggy “Little Mouse” McCarty (Mike); his brother Ben Neal (Mary Helen); nephews: Kevin Neal, Danny Neal and Mike Neal; 5 grandchildren Keara Torkelson (Joe), Dustin Bono (Jessi), Grace McCarty, Emily McCarty, and Logan McCarty; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as his cat Blossom and grandcats Pebbles and Peaches!  He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Carl and Esther Gladys Neal, niece Benna Neal; and his brother Charles Neal. 

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-690-4441