Lawrence Dale McNeil was born on December 12, 1945, in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of two children born to the union of Foster McNeil and Dallis Myrtle (Adkins) McNeil. He attended Monroe High School with the Class of 1963 and although he didn’t complete his diploma he was proud to earn his GED in 1977. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served his county honorably during the Vietnam War. Larry was blessed with the birth of a daughter: Angela. He married the former Joyce Schneider in 1980, and the couple had a special relationship for more than a decade until her passing in 1991. He enjoyed spending time with his four-legged canine companions. He also enjoyed filling his time with watching old movies and was an avid sports fan appreciating the entertainment value of football and baseball. For several years he worked as a security guard for Toledo Beach Marina. Lawrence Dale McNeil, age 79 of Monroe passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday; May 7, 2025, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. His passing was preceded by his parents; his loving wife Joyce McNeil; daughter: Laura McNeil; and a nephew: Matthew McNeil. To cherish his memory, he leaves a daughter: Angela (Steve) Higgins of Valparaiso, Indiana; two grandchildren :Joshua Higgins of Valparaiso, Indiana and Jordan (Jon) Hough of Muskegon, Michigan; a brother: Gary McNeil; a niece: Kristie McNeil; four nephews: Richard (Marie) McNeil, Gary McNeil Jr., Bryan McNeil, and Michael (Missy) McNeil; and a special friend: Sue McLaughlin. Friends may gather for a graveside service at 10:00amon Saturday; May 10, 2025, at St. Joseph Cemetery; 909 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. Military honors will be presented under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Monroe VFW Post 1138.Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
