Obituary for Neal Harrison Sr.
Neal Harrison, 98, a lifelong resident of Leavenworth, died Thursday, March 30, 2023, at his home with family present. He was born July 16, 1924, to Leo and Lucy Harrison (nee Bornschein). He attended public schools and graduated from Leavenworth High School, where he was active in the Junior ROTC program.
Neal met his future wife, Lydia Allen, Lansing. They married November 20, 1943, and became parents of two children, Neal Jr. (Cathy), Towanda, Kan.; and Janice Sifford, Leavenworth.
Neal enlisted in the Army and served honorably in World War II. Neal sustained significant injuries prior to the Battle of the Bulge and was subsequently medically discharged. His distinguished service was recognized with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
He began more than 40 years of public service at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks and later as District Court Administrator. During his career he received numerous civilian awards including the Liberty Bell Award. Recognizing the value and importance of education, Neal completed a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Park College.
Neal’s early interests included Boy Scouts, fishing and pheasant hunting in western Kansas.
Neal took pride in a shiny car and well-maintained lawn. On sunny days, you would readily find him on his lawn tractor, cutting and fertilizing his considerable acreage.
After retirement, Neal became accomplished in woodworking. Relatives, friends, and neighbors were generously gifted with handmade tables, pirate chests, birdhouses, and feeders. Neal enjoyed watching golf, college sports, and old westerns on television. He spoke proudly of his grandchildren’s successes in high school and college track, basketball and baseball. Although not especially fond of the arts, Neal patiently sat through piano recitals and cherished the hand-drawn pictures and school projects he was given.
Neal attended First Baptist Church, Leavenworth. He has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with a great-great grandson due in July. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, wife, son-in-law, David Sifford, one brother and one sister.
The family gratefully acknowledges the care and kindness shown to Neal and his family by Crittendon Home Care, Atchison; and Three Oaks Hospice, Overland Park.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Muncie Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Neal’s name to the First Baptist Church or the Disabled American Veterans.
Neal met his future wife, Lydia Allen, Lansing. They married November 20, 1943, and became parents of two children, Neal Jr. (Cathy), Towanda, Kan.; and Janice Sifford, Leavenworth.
Neal enlisted in the Army and served honorably in World War II. Neal sustained significant injuries prior to the Battle of the Bulge and was subsequently medically discharged. His distinguished service was recognized with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
He began more than 40 years of public service at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks and later as District Court Administrator. During his career he received numerous civilian awards including the Liberty Bell Award. Recognizing the value and importance of education, Neal completed a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Park College.
Neal’s early interests included Boy Scouts, fishing and pheasant hunting in western Kansas.
Neal took pride in a shiny car and well-maintained lawn. On sunny days, you would readily find him on his lawn tractor, cutting and fertilizing his considerable acreage.
After retirement, Neal became accomplished in woodworking. Relatives, friends, and neighbors were generously gifted with handmade tables, pirate chests, birdhouses, and feeders. Neal enjoyed watching golf, college sports, and old westerns on television. He spoke proudly of his grandchildren’s successes in high school and college track, basketball and baseball. Although not especially fond of the arts, Neal patiently sat through piano recitals and cherished the hand-drawn pictures and school projects he was given.
Neal attended First Baptist Church, Leavenworth. He has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with a great-great grandson due in July. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, wife, son-in-law, David Sifford, one brother and one sister.
The family gratefully acknowledges the care and kindness shown to Neal and his family by Crittendon Home Care, Atchison; and Three Oaks Hospice, Overland Park.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Muncie Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Neal’s name to the First Baptist Church or the Disabled American Veterans.