Bert Mcneese

Bert Wilbert McNeese, 74, of Fairmount, passed away at 8:23 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2006 at his residence. Bert was born on May 28, 1931 in Indianola, Illinois, the son of Bert and Nancy (White) McNeese. He married Doris Smith on January 3, 1953 in Covington, Indiana. She survives. He is survived by his two sons- Ernie McNeese of Fairmount and Roger (Susan) McNeese of Homer; one daughter- Brenda (Larry) Kiest of Centerville, Tennessee; two sisters- Dorothy Bottom of Newman, Illinois and Naomi High of Indianola, Illinois; he is also survived by nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and his great-granddaughter Jaylinn McNeese. Bert worked at General Motors for 41 years as a mill wright, until he retired in May of 1992. He was a member of the United States Army serving from 1951 to 1953 in the Korean Conflict. Bert loved to work in his yard and in his garden, where he was famous for his cabbages. He loved to do anything outdoors, either sitting in his lawn chair watching the birds or laying in the grass just relaxing. He enjoyed sitting reading a book and drinking his coffee. He would spend time drinking coffee with his friends in Fairmount. He enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with his kids. He loved to be around his grandchildren and spend time with them. He was a member of UAW Local #579. A celebration of the life of Bert Wilbert McNeese will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2006 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, with Rev. Michael Roberts officiating. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home by American Legion Post #210. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Fairmount or to the donors choice.