Neal Judkins Obituary (1927 - 2017)

William Neal Judkins, age 90, passed away November 17, 2017 in Sun City West, Arizona. Neal was born March 29. 1927 on a farm near Britton, Michigan to William & Kathryn Judkins. He joined the Boy Scouts in the late 1930's and later he joined the Civil Air Patrol and in 1944 received his flying wings. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in March of 1945 and spent VE day in New York and VJ day in Miami, Florida. After his service in the Coast Guard he began working for Tecumseh Products which he did for 36 years. In 1947 he married Eloise Tubbs and they had 3 children: Pam (Jim), Gary(Ruth Ann) & Allison (Trevor). Eloise passed away from cancer in 1976. On his 50th birthday Neal and son Gary parachuted out of an airplane later that same year he rode a motorcycle to Alaska (on few paved roads!) Neal was always a "Handyman" and built or remodeled homes on the side in addition to his regular job. At age 55 Neal retired and built a campground at Mola Lake near Silverton, Colorado where he met and married Shirley Tuma in 1985. The family grew with the addition on Dan (Alice), Janice (Doc) as step-children, whose company he always enjoyed. Neal is also survived by Mary's children Julie, Nancy, Trish and Steve, Brother Tom (Marie) and Sister Jean, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley sold Indian Jewelry and that brought them to Wickenburg. Neal built a merchandise building in Congress along with other homes in Wickenburg. Shirley passed away in 2002 from Alzheimers. In 2003 he met his current wife Mary and they married in 2003 they soon after took a motorhome trip and caravanned to Southern Mexico for 42 days. Neal was a member of the American Legion post 12, the Elks Lodge and volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce. He said he always enjoyed going to the grocery store (social event). He made a total of 5 trips to Alaska and logged over 100,000 miles in motorhomes over the years. In his later years he was on home dialysis, but that did not slow him down one bit. He enjoyed handyman and remodeling jobs and often made kids toys. Neal enjoyed coffee on the patio and reminiscing. He enjoyed class reunions back in Britton, Michigan and visiting old classmates. He is survived by his wife Mary Judkins of Wickenburg and family. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Wickenburg Funeral Home.