Lawrence Edward “Larry” Neave, 82, of Galesburg, died at 10:26 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2020 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Larry was born November 10, 1937 in Galesburg, the son of Edward Joseph and Nelda Maude (Bone) Neave. Larry graduated from Galesburg High School in 1955. He then served in the US Air Force from 1955 until he was honorably discharged in 1959. Larry married Kathleen Emerita Sults on July 29, 1961 at the First Christian Church in Galesburg. Larry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathy; one son, Michael (Lise) Neave of Fairfield Bay, AR; one daughter, Melinda (Jeff) Van Meter of Galesburg; four grandchildren, Christian (Jennifer) Neave, Elise (Corey) Edwards, James Voyles, and Stephanie (Bryce) Bent; and eight great grandchildren. Along with his parents, Larry was preceded in death by one sister, Sharyl Hough.
Since Larry could see through the steering wheel he had been driving a truck. In his early years, Larry drove for his father’s company, Bone Transfer. He then spent over 30 years driving for Nussbaum Trucking, retiring in 1992. After he retired, Larry enjoyed morning coffee with the guys at Hy-Vee. Since 1981 Larry was an active member of Western Illinois Antique Auto Club, proudly showing his prized 1957 Oldsmobile. In his younger years, Larry enjoyed tinkering on cars. He was an active member of First Christian Church. Family came first for Larry. He ran on adrenaline, in 30 plus years, he only missed one day of work.
Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Pastor M.J. Fitch will officiate. Burial will follow at Abingdon Cemetery, Abingdon. Memorials may be made in Larry’s name to the First Christian Church, 301 N. Broad St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
