Benjamin “Ben” Kingston Neel, Jr. of Menard, Texas, died peacefully in his sleep at home on August 31, 2026. Graveside services will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery in Menard, TX on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the services, a Celebration of Life luncheon will be hosted at the Menard Country Club.
Born in 1947, Ben was the eldest son of Benjamin “Boots” Kingston Neel, Sr. and Louise Mayon Goodrich Neel of Menard. He graduated from Menard High School in 1965, Baylor University in 1969, and Baylor Law School in 1971. According to legend, he passed the Texas State Bar Exam upon his first attempt – without studying any days prior and assisted by several sixpacks of Pearl beer. Ben practiced law for another fifty years following this miraculous feat, acting as the third-generation attorney of law firm Neel & Neel. He also served 38 years as County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney of Menard County. Upon the date of his retirement in 2012, Ben was the longest serving public official in Menard County history. Renowned for his sense of humor, Hawaiian shirt sartorial choices, and wide-ranging musical tastes, Ben loved reading, writing, baseball, and burning mix tapes/ CDs to share with friends and family across the globe. He adored sharing pictures and jokes with everyone including obscure music stars, former and future clients, and several customer services representatives who gave their email addresses to him. He was a gifted writer, sending regular updates about the “Free State of Menard” - including the notable Golden Dick saga, the unnamed lothario of the county. Ben was a lifelong Democrat, devoted fan of Buddy Holly & Bo Diddly, and an extremely proud grandfather.
He is survived by his two daughters, Audrey Neel and husband Jamey Young, of Cedar Creek, TX, and Bonnie Neel of Austin, TX; his grandson Riley James Neel-Hernandez and wife Marguerite Doran of Houston, TX; his brother Gregory Neel and wife Gwenda Neel; nieces Tracy Neel Hensley and Amber Neel Acuna; nephew Layne Neel; along with numerous stepchildren and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marica Ellen Cutter Neel. Memorial contributions in memory of Benjamin “Ben” Kingston Neel, Jr. may be made to the Menard Volunteer Fire Department/ EMS, 1001 South Ellis Street, Menard, Texas 76859. Friends may view and/or sign Ben’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels. com.