Sammy Kent Neal

 On December 7, 2024, Kent Neal, 75, of Keithville, entered into rest.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Dec. 13th at 1 PM at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, presided by Fr. Charles Glorioso, concelebrated by Fr. Raney Johnson. Visitation will be at noon at the Cathedral. Final blessing and interment follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier.

Kent was born on Sept. 30, 1949, in Shreveport to Sam and Thelma Neal. He graduated from Woodlawn High School and LSU-S. As a Vietnam Veteran, he served in the Navy on the U.S.S. America. Kent retired from Kroger, Ricoh, and Xerox Corp.

Kent enjoyed the outdoors and appreciated nature’s beauty and God’s creations- as noticed by his yard. Also, he enjoyed woodworking, sports, and helping others. Papa’s most treasured moments were the simple times with his grandchildren and family.

Having such a strong faith in God and a Christian generous spirit, Kent touched many lives. Kent is loved and greatly missed by all who know him.

Preceding Kent in death were his son, Jeffrey Neal; parents, Sam and Thelma Neal; brother, Vince Neal; In-laws, Norman and Marie Hyde, Eddie Hyde, Jimmy Martin, and Willard Scott.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Marion Hyde Neal; daughters, Kelli and Dr. Doug Sawyer, Julie Landry, Heather, and Derek Gunter; grandchildren, Cross Landry, Liam and Nolan Gunter, Emma (Ty), Noah, Clayton (Vanessa) Sawyer; sister, Melody, and Steve Bancer; sisters-in-law, Stacey Neal, Shirley Martin, and Elizabeth Scott.

Honoring him as pallbearers are Paul Fisher, Keith Hood, Jimmy Martin, Rodney Reeves, David Monismith, Ty Senn, and Clayton Sawyer. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Scott, Eddie Scott, Mike Talley, and Tom Sawyer.

Thank you to the Doctors and Staff of Willis Knighton Hospitals for the attentive compassionate care given to our beloved Kent, Dad, and Papa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 939 Jordan St., Shreveport, Louisiana 71101, or Samaritan’s Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org