Former Langley resident Homer Neal passed away Dec. 21, 2011 in Bellingham at the age of 87.

He was born Aug. 7, 1924 in El Paso, Ark. to Homer and Margie Neal.

Homer married Lucille Disimile on Sept. 21, 1943 at a naval base in Virginia. Homer served in the Navy during World War II in the Atlantic and the Pacific aboard the USS Tuscaloosa, USS Sproston and the USS Warrick.

Homer and Lucille lived in New York, California and eventually made their home in Washington.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing and playing cards and dominoes. Homer was great with his hands and was always fixing things. He was hard-working, had a great sense of humor and was dedicated to his family.

Homer was preceded in death by his son Jim in 2004.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lucille; son Peter (wife Sheila) Neal of Valley Springs, Calif., and their children Peter Jr., Chris, Tonya and John; daughter Mary (husband Jon) Matson of Des Moines, Wash.; nieces Doris Edwards and Joyce Edwards; longtime family friend Marc Belair; and many loving relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Washington at www.alzsociety.com or to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Adult Day Health, 809 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 at Westford Funeral Home. A celebration of Homer’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Westford Funeral Home followed by a reception across the street at Westford’s Broadway Hall.

Memories can be shared with the family at www.west

fordfuneralhome.com.