Gilbert Neal Michael

Gilbert Neal Michael died on February 15, 2019. Born in Mission, TX, November 27, 1934, he was the son of Charles and Anna Louise Michael who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Marnette Melson (Joe) of San Juan, TX. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helga Grohs Michael, whom he met and married when he was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army. He is also survived by four children, Charlie (Beth) of Memphis, TN; Carol of Memphis, TN; Colleen Scott (Russell) of Mullinville, KS; and Claude (Cynthia) of Lavon, TX. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Nick (Kelsey), Max (Laura), Nicole, Kelci (Mason), Clint (Masy), Duncan, and Holden, and great-granddaughter, Addison. His brother, George Michael (Leo) of Edinburg, TX, nieces Sharon Grinke of Austin, TX, and Leeanna Michael of Manchaca, TX, and nephew George Michael of New York, New York, are also among his survivors.

A graduate of Edinburg (TX) High School, Neal attended the Texas A&M Police Academy, Pan American University, and Sul Ross State University, as well as numerous lectureships and workshops.

In the three and a half years that he was stationed with the Army in Germany, Neal served as chief dispatcher, driving school instructor, and photographer. He had always had an interest in photography, which continued throughout his life. While in the Army, he learned to develop negatives and make black and white prints.

Neal's first job out of high school was farming cotton, citrus, and vegetables. Through the years, he held positions with the police force, Central Power and Light Company, and two family businesses, Charlie Michael Motors and Mopar Parts Store. However, Neal's most cherished employment was that of preacher and minister. He served the Edcouch (TX), Alpine (TX), Bunkie (LA), Cape Fair (MO), Belle Plaine (KS), and Springfield (CO) churches of Christ, but he also traveled to Jamaica, Kenya, and Scotland on campaigns. He served as an elder at Belle Plaine, and he was a frequent speaker at workshops, retreats, and lectureships. In addition, he authored articles that were published in Old Paths, Four State Gospel News, and Bulletin Digest.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Eastridge Church of Christ mission fund. https://eastridge.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/265/responses/new