Eldridge Leon Neece, a beloved father, Grandad, and devoted church member, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on December 31, 1929, in Eaton, Arkansas, to the late Everett and Pearl Oldham Neece.

Eldridge shared a remarkable 74 years of marriage with his late wife, Cletis. His life was a testament to his deep love and dedication to his family. After their marriage in 1950, they joined many other Arkansans in moving north for jobs. They lived in the Rockford area of Illinois, and he worked for many years at the National Lock Company. They attended Second General Baptist Church in Rockford where he served as a deacon and sang lead with The Gospel Melody Boys quartet.

In 1972, they returned to Arkansas to live in Pocahontas with their two sons and daughter. He worked as a serviceman for DeClerk LP Gas until his retirement in 2006. He always had a garden and loved working in the yard, planting flowers, and watching the birds.

For nearly 48 years, Eldridge served as a deacon for Sutton Free Will Baptist Church in Pocahontas. His commitment to his faith and community was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was known for his warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering support, touching the lives of many with his kindness.

Eldridge was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, his beloved son, Robbin Neece; and his sisters, Delores Leonburger and Joyce Ragsdell.

He'll be profoundly missed by his loving family. He is survived by his son, Ricky Neece (Dan Jensen) of Warrensburg, Missouri; and his daughter, Rhonda (Victor) Stone of Pocahontas. He also leaves behind his cherished grandsons, Andrew (Brittany) Stone and Sean (Claire) Stone, all of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Eldridge was a proud Grandad to great-grandchildren Xander, Oakley, and Scarlett, and eagerly anticipated the arrival of his fourth great-grandchild this month. He is also survived by his sister, Wilda Johnson, and brother, Eugene Neece, along with numerous nephews and nieces to whom he was known as Uncle Bub.

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Service Information

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Sutton Free Will Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM. Brother Kevin Barnett will officiate. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Andrew and Sean Stone, and the active deacons of Sutton Free Will Baptist Church: Joe Ragsdell (nephew), Doty Reed, Andrew Rogers, Shawn Seagraves, Jeremiah Winslow, and Kent Winslow. Perry Joe Crisp, the only surviving deacon from when Eldridge was ordained, is an honorary pallbearer. Services are under the direction of McNabb Funeral Home.