Earl Dean Neugent, 85, a long time resident of Waco, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation: Monday, June 19, 2017 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco
Graveside Service: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 10:30AM Mount Antioch Cemetery, FM 339 between Mount Calm and Prairie Hill in Limestone County.
Earl was born April 18, 1932 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma to the late John and Mary Matilda Cameron Neugent. After school Earl joined the National Guard and was called up to active duty in 1954. He served his country honorably in the United States Army for over six years, part of which he served overseas in Korea.
Earl was a true entrepreneur, over the years started several successful businesses. With his artistic nature, Earl was always working with his hands, creating beautiful candles, furniture and even numerous musical instruments. Earl worked for many years in the auto body repair industry; he had his own artistic way of repairing a car that no one else could do. He was instrumental in the start of the Auto Body Program at TSTI (TSTC). Later he worked for Central Texas College over in Germany, teaching service personnel the art of auto body repair. In his younger years, Earl enjoyed racing motorcycles, go-carts and boats.
Earl never truly retired, he always stayed busy, working on computers, repairing TV’s, he was an amateur archery enthusiast and making instruments and furniture for family. One of the last artistic tributes Earl created was music, he wrote his own farewell song that will be played at his service. He created guitars, violins, a bass, ukuleles and banjos. His handy work will be a part of his family’s heritage for many years to come. Beating cancer three times in his life, he was strong and determined. Earl married Betty Ruth, August 21, 2007. Together they enjoyed country western dancing and were members of the “Young At Heart Dance Club” at the Sul Ross Senior Center. Earl was on the board for the dance club and was still active in spreading the word of upcoming events and dances. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, John and Matilda Neugent; two brothers, J.D. Neugent and Clifton Gene Neugent.
Earl is survived by and leaves to continue his legacy, his loving wife, Betty Ruth Neugent; his children, James Earl Neugent and wife Shirley and Janice Ruth Sutton and husband Steven; sisters, Audrey James and Nelda Sue Brewer; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; along with numerous other loving family and a host of friends.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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I am so sorry for your loss. He was a fun man to be around.
Earl was such a wonderful person and fine Christian man with lots of talents. He had a love for others and showed it in many ways. He made life better for so many with his generous nature. I thank God for him and the times we all enjoyed around him. May God give his family the peace and comfort that can only come from Him. The precious memories will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Prayers and love to all in Jesus name.
I’m so sorry for your loss Betty. Earl is the epitome of a good Christian man who loves God, his family and his friends. He will be greatly missed, and Sul Ross Young at Heart club will never be the same.
We all have lost a good man and friend. Earl would always come up and greet the band when he attended the dances. Happy man to be around and I always looked forward to his greetings. Wrote some good songs, too. and the musical instruments he crafted were top notch. My condolences to the family. See you Monday evening.
So sorry to hear about Earl’s passing. I sure will miss him. He was my first friend to meet when I came to Waco and we had some good times together. He will be missed by everyone and his guitars will stay in infinity.
Earl was a great man, a wonderful songwriter, and a friend to everyone. He will be missed. May the God of all peace give you comfort and hold you in His arms in the days ahead.
Betty so very sad and sorry to hear about your loss. Earl was very kind and always had time to say hello. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Wish I could have come Monday night.Could not leave my husband. I’m so sorry for your loss.Glad you had the years and memories with Earl. I know you were both very happy.Take care of yourself.Love you. Alice
Betty, James, and Janice:
I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was a great man and he was so good to my mother to the very end. I will always remember him for that. I wish you comfort through this difficult time.
Curt and I were so sad to hear of Earl’s passing.
We always enjoyed visiting with him at Sul Ross. He always had a smile and made us feel so welcome.
He will be greatly missed.
Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time.