passed away peacefully in his Phoenix home on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 88 years of age. John was born August 3, 1926 in Pawnee, Sangamon County, Illinois to Leslie Neighbors and Mabel Shiveley. He was the youngest of 5 sons (Garrod, Buck, Barney, Earl) followed by a baby sister (Mary Lou). All five boys proudly served in the United States Military in WWII, all 5 returned home, and were deemed the “Five Fighting Neighbors” in their hometown paper. When the war ended, John returned home to meet and marry the love of his life, Wilma Jean Johnson. The couple traveled the States until they planted roots in Phoenix, Arizona where they happily raised their beloved children. John was a devoted family man, husband, father, Grandpa, GG, Uncle, and friend. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for 52 years, as well as a proud union retiree and 66 year member of Local 469 Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Plumbers where he served as President and Business Agent. John was an inspiration to his daughters, grandchildren, and family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma Jean, children, John Ray and Mary, parents, brothers, and nephews, Gary Lee and Patrick. His legacy lives on through his sister Mary Lou Mudd; his daughters: Lynn (Kyle) and Debbie (Vernon); his grandchildren: Shane (Melissa), Nathan, Candice (Steve), Danielle, Clinton, Cody, Lane, and Abby; great grandsons: Chase, Tanner, Noah, and Gage, and many nieces and nephews great and greater. Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, on Wednesday, October 15th, from 5-8 P.M., with a Rosary at 7 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Ave., on Thursday, October 16th, at 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John Neighbor’s honor to the Susan G. Komen foundation through their website (www.komencanaz.org) or via check made out to Susan G. Komen of Central & Northern AZ, 2040 W. Bethany Home Rd. Ste. 120, Phoenix, AZ 85015.
Rhene Meyer
John or Johnny (as my family called you) you were a great friend to my whole family and an inspiration to my son. I will never forget all the great times our families had through the years. Bobby and I will miss you!
Del and Shea Parisella
Our hearts are heavy knowing we will not see GG again when we visit Arizonia. We do rest in the knowledge we will meet again in Heaven. All our love to the family. We will never forget you GG.
Joyce Hitt
You were here for awhile, but left a Life Time of Love to many people.
We were lucky people to get to know John for the time we did.
Sending our prayers and condolences to the Family
Love,
The Hitt and Obermeyer FamFAM.
Brent Neighbors
Uncle John was a great man. We will truly miss him.
Susan Erickson
Made the promises of our Lord Jesus bring Peace to All of you in this difficult time.