LaVelle E. Neal

La Velle Everett Neal was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. His parents were James C Neal and Maud Sarah Brown. His father was a professional chief on the railroad and his mother was a school teacher who spoke five different languages. He was the second oldest of five children and the second oldest son. His siblings preceded him in death. LaVelle attended St Elizabeth Catholic School in Chicago and Tilden Technical High School. He, like his Father, his Brother James R Neal and his Uncle Thomas Neal, came from a strong background of chief cooks for the Burlington Northern Railroad, later known as Amtrak.

Following in his father’s tradition, he began employment at age of 19, with what was later known as the Burlington Northern Railroad. His occupation required technical training and apprenticeship to different culinary departments and he excelled in this occupation tradition of his family of profession chiefs with the railroad. He started his occupational career as a fourth cook and worked up to 1st Chef. During his forty four years of employment, his work required travel to different regions of the United States on a weekly basis which resulted in his developing a strong appreciation for travel.

Following World War II, LaVelle relocated his family from Chicago to Covert Michigan during the 1940’s. While not at work, he maintained a small farm, enjoyed fishing and hunting and spending time with many close acquaintances in the community and as an active member in the Covert Community Church. All seven of his children were graduates of the local high school. He was a strong proponent of further education and ensured that all of his children received training beyond high school. When he retired, he worked part time at the Swing Lo Scaffold Company in Covert and volunteered for Senior Citizen work. He later volunteered in Kalamazoo at a local food pantry and packaging care items for senior citizens. He was an active church member and served on the usher board at Covert Community church through the early years of 2005. He also participated in many church functions. One of his favorites was the Annual Bush meeting where he served as a cook. He had strong religious beliefs and strong principles that he bestowed within his family.


His wife of 47 years was Willire Beatrice Ellington. She preceded him in death in 1980 following an unexpected illness. He spent his later years with his devoted companion Ms Verna Brown of Portage, Michigan for 22 years.


Mr. Neal was as devoted father and provided strong leadership for his family. Survivors include four generations of family. His six children, Jean Mosley of South Haven Michigan, Doris Jordan of Chicago Illinois, Arlene Maddox of Fresno California, Loretta Grier of Sacramento California, Clarence Neal of Phoenix Arizona, Patricia Whitfield of Ann Arbor Michigan. His eldest son LaVelle Neal Jr preceded him in death in 1990. He also has Twenty Grand Children, Ten Great Grand Children, and Two Great Great Grand Children, seven beloved Nieces and a Nephew along with a host of friends and acquaintances.