Neil M. Mooney

Neil Mayer Mooney, age 94, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 11, 2011 at National Healthcare Center in Joplin, Missouri.       Neil was born July 16, 1916, at Liberal, the only child of Lester and Alta (Mayer) Mooney.  After graduating from Liberal High School Neil attended Pittsburg College before moving to Kansas City to work in a munitions plant.       On May 11, 1941, at Liberal, Neil married Lois Fast.  In 1942, he joined the Army-Air Force, serving in Guam during World War II.  Returning home after the war, Neil and Lois made their home in Liberal, where Neil first worked at an appliance store and the Liberal Post Office for several years before beginning his 32 year career as Liberal City Superintendant.  Always active in his community, Neil was a member of the Liberal VFW and Masonic Lodge.  He was a member of the Christian Church where he served as an elder for many years.   In addition to being an avid gardener, he was an accomplished wood-carver and produced beautiful copper work art pieces.       Survivors include his wife of nearly 71 years, Lois, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert & Deidre Mooney, Pittsburg, Kansas; a daughter and son-in-law, Marianne & Kyle Page, Liberal; five grandchildren and their spouses, David & Mary Mooney, Carl Junction, Jason Mooney, Pittsburg, Katie & Dan Bazal, Abbey Page and Haley Page, all of Liberal; and five great-grandchildren.       Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 13th at the Christian Church of Liberal.  Burial with full military honors will be in Liberal Cemetery.       The family will receive friends from 6:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. Tuesday at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.