WOODLAND – Earl E. McNeal, 98, passed away peacefully June 17, 2009, surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Washburn. Earl was born Dec. 20, 1910, in Woodland, the son of Joseph and Myrtle (Brown) McNeal. Earl attended Snowman School, Woodland, and then Caribou High School. Earl grew up on the Brown Road, where he farmed the land with his father and then with his son until his retirement in 1980. In 1931, he married Eugenia (Wark) McNeal. They were married for 65 wonderful years. They had two children, Joseph and Candace. Together Earl and Gena raised their family and worked side by side on the family farm. Earl was a very active member of Caribou United Baptist Church. He served as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the finance, building and maintenance committees, and also served as a deacon of the church. Earl was very involved in the building of the current United Baptist Church. In January 2001, he was appointed Honorary Deacon for Life of Caribou United Baptist Church. In 2006, Earl was presented the Boston Cane, for being the oldest citizen in the town of Woodland. He enjoyed spending time with his family sharing his life experiences. His great-grandchildren brought much joy to him. Earl is survived by a son, Joseph of Caribou; a daughter, and son-in-law, Candace and Garry Pangburn of Washburn; and 10 grandchildren, Joey and Barb McNeal of Washburn, Earl McNeal and partner, Arthur Kinney, of Portland, Dean McNeal, Shelly Maynard, Craig McNeal and partner, Gene Hathaway, all of Washburn, Richard and Tara Taggett of Woodland, Stephen and Mia Pangburn of Easton, Heather and Ricky Bragg of Washburn, Jason and Jaime Pangburn of Eddington, and Melissa and David Kershaw of Belmont, Mass. Earl was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren, Jodi Noyes, Erin, Jessi and Tyler Maynard, Wyatt and Jesse Taggett, Eli Pangburn, Michaela, Cameron and Connor Bragg, Jonathon, Jacquelynn and Joshua Pangburn and David Kershaw Jr. He is also survived by five great-great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Haleigh and Laken Noyes, Caleb and Kera Maynard; several nieces and nephews. Earl was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Eugenia; two sisters, Lena Buzzell and Dora Clark; a daughter-in-law, Agnes McNeal; and two great-granddaughters, Miranda Bragg and Jenovieve Pangburn. The family wishes to thank all of Dad’s wonderful caregivers, especially, Deborah Beaudoin. Friends may call noon until the time of services Saturday, June 20, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. at the chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Joshua Burden officiating. Interment will take place in the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Earl may do so to Caribou United Baptist Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes may be obtained through the funeral home. For an online register, please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
EARL E. MCNEAL
