Kenduskeag and Masardis – Harold “Neal” Lakin, 80, died peacefully April 7, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 27, 1936, on the Pearson Ranch, in Greene County, IL, the son of Charles and Evelyn (Deshasier) Lakin. He married Mirabel (Abbott) Lakin, of Masardis, in 1973, and they enjoyed 44 years together.

Neal didn’t travel any further from where he was born than 15 miles, until he was 17, when his Dad took him down to sign up for the Marine Corps. They sent him to California for basic and he did not come home for a year. He caught a hop to Washington, DC, and hitchhiked to Berdan, IL, where he spent a few hours with his Mom and Dad, then went to Scott Air Force Base and caught a hop back to California.

Neal retired in 1974 from the Marine Corps. While in the Corps, he served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He spent 5 years in Vietnam. He traveled around the world 2 times, making landings in 89 countries each time. After retiring he tried a couple different adventures, then settled in Masardis and drove truck for many years.
Neal was a proud, kind, hard-working, and wonderful man. He often said he had lived a charmed life and would do it all again. He enjoyed life and helping others. He was a member of the VFW Post #9699, and had served as Commander. He was also a member of AmVets Post #49.

Neal loved family and attended a family reunion every year. He was always so proud that so many of his family got together to share time together. He liked to talk to his many nieces and nephews, share their lives, and share his and his siblings’ stories with them.

In addition to his parents, Neal was predeceased by 8 siblings, brothers Raymond, Royal, Glen, Harry, Randell, and Terry Lakin; and sisters Norma (Lakin) Mohn, and Twyla (Lakin) Painter; and his son, Harold Neal Lakin, Jr. “JR” In addition to his loving wife of 44 years, Mirabel, Neal is survived by daughter Sherrie Lakin Ross, her husband David, and their children Amber and Davin, son Mark Neal Lakin, his wife Autumn Rogers Lakin, and their children Sara, Mark Neal Lakin, Jr., Kayden, Luke, and Chase, and daughter Kelly Lakin Robinson, her husband Gordon, and child, Quin Robinson and JR’s children Ryan Wickens and Josaphine and Cody Lakin; 5 siblings, Joyce Lakin Cummings, Mary Lakin Hughes, Elmer Lakin, Charles Lyndall Lakin, and Janet Lakin Barlow.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday April 15, 2017, at VFW #9699, 36 Portage Rd., in Ashland.

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