Arlis Neeley

Arlis Ray Neeley, son of Ollie and Mary Graham Neeley, was born November 4, 1951 in Kennett, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, July 1, 2013 in Lake Regional Health System, Osage Beach, Missouri, at the age of sixty-one years, seven months, and twenty-seven days. On June 22, 1996, Arlis was united in marriage to Jennie L. Smith and together they have shared the past seventeen years. Arlis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lester, Grover "Bud', and Albert Neeley; and a sister, Lea Barks. He is survived by his wife, Jennie of the home; children, Brian Neeley of Gideon, Missouri, Christina Lawrence of Gideon, Missouri, Ryan Kellogg of Thayer, Missouri, Nathan Kellogg of Camdenton, Missouri, Ramona Chaney and husband James of Wichita, Kansas, Travis Neeley, Seth Neeley, and Caleb Neeley of Camdenton, Missouri; nine grandchildren; his siblings, Dorothy Chambers of Michigan, John King and Ruth King, Marie and Bob Hicks, all of Campbell, Missouri, Ollie Neeley and wife Edna of Sugar Creek, Missouri, Elsie Moore and husband Albert of Campbell, Missouri, Mary Rillema and her husband Jack, and Jeri Hackney, all of the State of Michigan, Jim Neeley and wife Georgia of Sugar Creek, Missouri, Vera Rich and husband Gary of Michigan, Ruby Shiley and husband Mike of Traverse City, Michigan, Roy Neeley and wife Tiffany and Richard Nelson and wife Charlotte, all of Campbell, Missouri; a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and many dear friends. Arlis was born in Kennett and attended Campbell High School where he excelled in basketball and was a graduate of the Class of 1970. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked various jobs throughout his life and was known as a "jack of all trades." He worked in Piggott Cemetery in Piggott, Arkansas for several years and took great pride in making sure that the cemetery was always in pristine condition. Arlis had founded Lamplighter Tabernacle in Clarkton and Roscoe, Missouri, and when he moved to Camdenton in 2003, he formed Vessels of Christ and served there until his passing. Arlis enjoyed fishing and even used his fishing trips as a way to minister to those in need. He was truly a caring soul. In his spare time, Arlis loved to play gospel music, especially his harmonica and guitar. Arlis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and many accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2013 in the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Friday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in the James Percival Memorial Cemetery, Linn Creek, Missouri.