Robert E. Neff, age 87, of White Pigeon, Michigan, formerly of Elkhart, passed away Friday, July 30, 2010 at Woodland Manor Nursing Home. Robert was born December 20, 1922 to the late Harold and Vivian (Brown) Neff in Elkhart, Indiana. On November 4, 1983, he was married to Daphne Wilcox in Elkhart.
Daphne survives, along with his children, David (Peggy) Neff of Vandalia, MI, James (Diranda) Neff of Niles, MI, and Gerry (Jill) Neff of Nappanee, IN, and his step children; Ned (Kathy)Wilcox of Edwardsburg, MI, Randy Wilcox of Cassopolis, MI, and Teri (Chris) Miller of White Pigeon, MI. Surviving as well is his brother, Tom (Jean) Neff of Rapid City, MI, 3 grandchildren, 12 step grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 13 step great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Robert was preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Jean Neff.
Cremation will take place, and Military Rites will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 5, 2010 at the Good Shepherd Mausoleum on the grounds of Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.
Robert was enlisted in the U.S. Army for 6 years, serving during WWII, where he participated in the battle at Remagen Bridge, and the Battle of the Bulge, before being honorably discharged in 1947. Robert was employed for 35 years by the New York Central, Penn Central, and Conrail railroads, and retired at the age of 59.
In his spare time, Robert enjoyed bowling, hunting, riding snowmobiles, and walking in the woods with his dogs, Grizzly, Misty, and Goldy. He also enjoyed camping, and traveled frequently with his wife, Daphne.
In lieu of flowers, the family''s preferred memorial is the Humane Society.
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