Thomas William McNeal

Thomas William McNeal, 73, of Missoula, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at his home.

 He was born on November 5, 1950, in Longview, WA, to Bill and Anna Mae McNeal. When he was 7 years old, the family moved to Frenchtown, where he attended school until he graduated there in 1969. While in high school, he played football and basketball, and continued on adult fun leagues in basketball, as well as softball teams. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Sailfish SS- 572. After his honorable discharge, he moved back to Missoula and enrolled in modern business college for a bit, and that’s the time he met his 1st wife, Ronnie Olson, and had 3 beautiful children with her.

In 1972 he started his career at Smurfit-Stone pulp mill. He worked there 38+ years, until he hung up his hat in 2010, when the mill shut down. He retired after that.

He enjoyed many summers with his kids and friends at Camp Tuffit on Lake Mary Ronan, trips to Washington and Oregon coast, Disneyland, and numerous others. And can’t forget all the Friday night pizza nights and so many other adventures. Bowling was his passion, which he passed on to both of his sons, who he still bowled with on league as well as a league with Patty. He loved watching his sports, and was a huge lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings. Tom most importantly loved going to family gatherings, as his family was most important to him.

In 2007 he met his partner, Patty King. They got to enjoy 17 wonderful years together. They were side by side most everywhere they went. Enjoying bowling league, many trips to Vegas, visiting friends and family, dining out, the local casinos, and all their little getaways to different places. Patty’s daughters were like step-daughters to Tom.

We will miss his constant chatting, his endless stories, and great sense of humor.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Anna Mae McNeal.

Tom is survived by his loving partner of 17 years, Patty King of Missoula; his three children, Jerod McNeal of Missoula, Shane McNeal of Missoula, Jennifer Jones (Jake) of Missoula; 3 grandchildren, Jade Jones (Jack), Hailey Jones, Sadie McNeal; 1 great-grandson, Ryder; brothers John McNeal (Carol) of Billings, and Joe McNeal (Kristi) of Frenchtown; nieces and nephews; Patty’s daughters, Heather Minster (Brad), and their daughter, Olivia, Keri Opheim (Ryan) and their daughters, Mya, Harper, Emma, and Hannah.

At Tom’s request, cremation has taken place with just cremation of Missoula. He will have a short military honors on May 17, at 1:30 at the Veterans Cemetery, where he will be buried. At his request, no services are planned. Just remember him with a smile on his face and a beer in his hand.