Neil’s Obituary Neil James Petree was born March 8, 1929, in Missouri Valley, Iowa to Roy G. and Thelma L. (Hiatt) Petree and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Corn Heritage Village of Weatherford, at the age of 89 years, 11 months, and 24 days. Neil started school in Orin, Wyoming and then moved to Chadron, Nebraska where he graduated from high school. He then began school at Nebraska State Teachers College and completed a Bachelor of Science in Education.
While in school, he worked summers and after school in a radio repair shop. On June 19, 1955, Neil married the love of his life, Lois Elaine Nichols at Henry Methodist Church in Henry, NE. They lived together almost inseparable for over 63 years.
In March 1953, Neil was drafted into the United States Army. He spent two years active duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and completed basic training as part of the radio maintenance crew. He began a career in field maintenance and also worked as a repairman for the Department of Communications.
He was then transferred to training aids as an electronic modelmaker, advancing to supervising training aids specialist and then to assisting training aids officer. While employed at Fort Sill, Neil received many awards including several outstanding performance awards and the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. Neil was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Lawton, OK for 49 years.
He served the youth Logos class and attended mission trips to Missouri, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas to assist with tornado damage. Neil was also a trustee for the church and served on the Administrative board, the Care Ministry, Crusaders Sunday School, and several other committees. Neil and Lois relocated to Weatherford, OK on September 24, 2004, and joined the First Baptist Church of Weatherford on November 7, 2004.
A man that never wanted to be the center of attention. He was humble, loving, and adored by his family. Neil exhibited perfection in his wood working and gardening hobbies.
One of the special creations Neil presented was a cross to Centenary United Methodist Church. His family will forever treasure the beautiful pieces of woodwork he gifted them throughout his life. He loved hot cocoa and could be seen sneaking a piece of chocolate from the bowl next to his chair often.
His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought a special sparkle to his eyes and he would take them on special trips to McDonald’s. Many dogs claimed Neil as a friend, and he was most often seen with one in his lap during his later years. Neil is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lois Petree of Weatherford, OK; children, Linda Bennett and husband, Eddie of Weatherford, OK and Mark Petree and wife, Julie of Iowa Park, TX; grandchildren, Tiffany Kilhoffer and husband, Micah of Elk City, OK, Tad Bennett of Elk City, OK, and Lauren Lange and husband, Jacob of Graham, TX; great grandchildren, Kai Kilhoffer, Marki Kilhoffer, and Jarett Lange; sister, Eva Brunswick of Parker, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved relatives.
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