Cover photo for Zane Neely's Obituary
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1929 Zane 2012

Zane Neely

July 24, 1929 — November 10, 2012

HERRIN - Zane Neely passed away at 10:20 a.m., on November 10, 2012, at Herrin Hospital. He was born July 24, 1929 in Dykersburg, Illinois to Guinn and Euline Neely. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Betty (Wohlwend) Neely, two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Linda Neely of Carterville, and George and Sherrie Neely of New Baden, eight grandchildren, Tara (Jami) Moore of Carterville, Mistie (Andy) Haase of Swansea, Ross (Marilyn)Tennant of Shiloh, Brandon Tennant (Nycole Gregory) of Swansea, Amy Neely of New Baden, Craig and Ashley Neely of Florida, four great grandchildren, Drew and Dylan Moore of Carterville, Jaidyn and Alek Tennant, of New Baden, a sister, Guindoline (Archie) Walters of Woodridge, and 5 nieces and nephews, Marty Wohlwend of San Jose, CA, Steve (Marcia) Wohlwend of Seattle, WA, Lee (Jane) Wohlwend of Seattle, Sherry (Steve) Jepsen of Marion, and Tom (Nancy) Walters of Douglasville, GA. After serving in Korea in both the Navy and Marines, Zane moved to Herrin and became Personnel Director for Allen Industries for 15 years. He then became Midwest Corporate Personnel Director for Fedders Corporation, having responsibility for 5 manufacturing plants from Illinois to Maine. After leaving Fedders, he became Human Resources Director for Mark Twain Marine. He was a charter member of The Southern Illinois Personnel Manager Association, served on the Steering Committee for the Illinois Employer Council, served on the Governor’s Manpower Council, served on Herrin’s Planning Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, The Jaycees, Boy Scouts, Little League, United Fund, was on advisory committees for SIU and John Logan Colleges, and served on the Committee for Women in Non Traditional Roles. Zane was active in the Presbyterian Church of Herrin, serving as Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent. He jointly worked with SIU-C and Jacques-Brown in London to develop a successful program that reduced work stoppages. He was the first person in Southern Illinois to institute the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Upon retiring, Zane and Betty served for 16 years as volunteer chaplains for Herrin Hospital and were lay pastors for churches in Crab Orchard and Grand Tower. They were named Herrin’s Citizens of the Year in 2002. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Herrin on Saturday, November 17, with service at 11:00 a.m. and visitation beginning at 9:30. Reverend Donnie Colson and Reverend Michael Neubert will officiate. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Herrin or Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. Blue West. Van Natta Funeral Home 427South Park in Herrin in charge of arrangments.
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