Neal E. Statler, 74, of Loudonville died Wed. morning, Dec. 3, 2014 in Ohio Health MedCentral Mansfield Hospital following a short illness. Neal was born Nov. 1, 1940 in Mt. Vernon and was the son of Frank Edward and Mae (Brubaker) Statler.
He was a life resident of the Loudonville area and a 1958 graduate of Loudonville High School. He was a US Navy veteran serving on the USS Forrestal during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Most of his tour of duty involved being assigned to VF-101 Fighter Squadron stationed at Key West Naval Air Station. Neal was a retired over the road truck driver and milk hauler for many years and most recently was the personal driver for Uriah Hostetler of H & H Custom Homes of Loudonville. He previously worked ten years with the Flxible Company of Loudonville. Neal enjoyed fishing and target shooting, and was a member of Ohio Gun Collectors, the Association of Ohio Long Rifles, the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Assoc., and the American Legion Post #257.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy J. (Sharp) Statler, whom he married Sept. 26, 1964; 2 sons: William (Lynn) Statler of Perrysville, and Robert (Debbie) Statler of Johnsville; 2 grandchildren: Jaret Statler and Katie Statler; his mother and step-father: Mae and Albert Hans of Ashland; his sister: Linda (Ervin) Fackler of Mansfield; and his half-sister: Karen (Ken) Killian of Ashland. He was preceded in death by his father and a half-brother, Ralph Hans.
Funeral services will be held Sat., Dec. 6 at 10:30 AM in Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville. Burial with military services conducted by the VFW and American Legion will be held in Loudonville Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, Dec. 5 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in Lindsey Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands, c/o Pat Mowery
324 North Wood Street, Loudonville, Ohio 44842. Online condolences may be left for the Statler family by visiting www.Byerly-Lindsey.com.
