Ralph W. Neal

Ralph W. Neal, 89, of Mulberry, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, at Mulberry Health.  He was born on January 28, 1935, in Mulberry to William and Lola (Brand) Neal.  

Ralph was a 1953 graduate of Dayton High School.  He was a farmer all his life and worked for Caterpillar for seven and a half years.  He was very involved in the 4H Association and served on the board and served on the Area Planning Committee in Lafayette.  He raised show rabbits and would put them on show all over the country.  He was known to many as “The Hay Man.” He would bail hay for others and custom bail and would bring smiles to others when he would answer his phone, “Hay, Hay, Hay!”  He enjoyed visiting farm progress shows, watching RFDTV, and was an avid snowmobile rider.  

Ralph is survived by his children, Michael “Mike” (Teri) Neal, James Neal, Nancy (Dan) Sullivan, Juanita Kay (Blake) Eaglen; a brother, Lowell (Pat) Neal; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, John “Rick,” and a brother, Harold.

A graveside service will be held, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 2pm at Fair Haven Cemetery.  Day & Genda Funeral Home ~ Mulberry Chapel is assisting with the arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Tippecanoe County 4-H Exhibit Association.  Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.