Neil Krone, 80, of Chanute, went to meet his heavenly Father, with his family at his side, on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.

Neil was born in Chanute on Oct. 6, 1932, the son of Frank Henry and Violet Arlah Reed Krone. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1950. While he was attending junior college he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1951-1954. He served on the U.S.S. Whiteside during the Korean Conflict. He married Mary Ann Templeton on Jan. 16, 1955 in Chanute.

He retired from Martin Tractor after 40 years.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1654 and American Legion Post #170, the Chanute Lions Club where he was the treasurer for several years, active in scouting as a Webelos leader for 13 years, charter member of the Chanute Police Reserve where he served for 20 years, and transferring cars for a local dealership. He was an avid sports fan. It wasn’t uncommon for him to watch a game on the TV and be listening to another on his radio. He loved to fish and hunt and also he enjoyed woodworking.

The past 12 years he and Mary Ann were “Snow Birds” and went to South Texas.

Neil is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, of the home; one daughter, Cheryl and Roger Rajotte of Pittsburg; one son, Mark and Diana Krone of Sterling; four grandchildren, Anna Krone, Amanda Rajotte, Kristin and Donald Bryant, and Matt and Terell Krone; and three great-grandchildren, Evan Rajotte, Autumn and Alana Bryant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, and two brothers.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends this evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel.

Memorials in his name may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt or Mercy Hospital for their new Cardiovascular Unit and may be left with the funeral home.