Joseph Croskell Neel's Obituary
Joseph Croskell Neel, M.D., age 95, died on December 6, 2012, following a brief hospitalization. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Gerda, to whom he was married for more than 60 years. J.C., as he was known to all, leaves behind two daughters, Brenda Hight and Vera Wallace, and their respective children, Anna Hight, and Natalie and Remy Wallace. J.C. graduated from old Central High School in Fort Worth and following in his mother’s footsteps, initially studied music in college. His skill was such that, for a time, he performed as a classical violinist with the Fort Worth Symphony. His interest in sustaining a family led to a career change and the study of medicine. He ultimately received his medical degree from the University of Galveston, and upon graduation, immediately went into the Army. As he told his younger daughter, “I received my medical degree in one hand, and my commission into the Medical Corp of the U.S. Army in the other.” He served as a Captain in Mark Clark’s 110th and was promoted to become the Chief of Surgery in the Army Hospital in Vienna, Austria. During his tenure in Vienna, he met and married his wife Gertrude. Upon their return to the states, J.C. finished his residency in surgery and started working for the Samuell Clinic in Dallas. His daughters have many fond memories of accompanying him on house calls before they were school age. As a special treat, he often allowed them to operate the car’s chrome searchlight to locate the home addresses of patients. In 1958, J.C. went into private practice with his best friend, E. Clayton Kahler and moved his practice to a Garland hospital opened by Robert Speegle, M.D. The family has many fond memories of the friends and colleagues from that time. In 1977, J.C. closed his private practice and started working for the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in South Dallas. He considered this his “retirement” job because it was “only” 8 hours a day and he enjoyed the daily encounters with his fellow veterans. He was much loved by his family and friends and he will be missed. Service Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 3 PM Restland Wildwood Chapel. Burial Friday, December 14, 2012 at Greenwood Cemetery
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