Warren D. Neill

Warren Davis Neill, age 85, passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Kerrville, TX, on August 30, 2024. 

Warren was born on November 28, 1938, to Andrew and Dora Mae Neill in Uvalde, TX, and grew up at Whites Mines in Blewitt, TX. Warren met the love of his life in December of 1963 and married Arlia Faye Welch on July 3, 1964, in Leakey, TX. When he proposed, he handed her a Cracker Jack box containing the ring, but when she refused it, he took the ring out himself and presented it to her. 

Warren attended school in Uvalde, TX, graduating from Uvalde High School in 1957, where he played football and became a lifelong supporter of Uvalde Coyote Football. He and his wife held season tickets for 59 years, and they passed on this tradition to their son Travis, Daughter Nicole and later to their grandchildren, Trinity and Faith. Warren attended Mortuary School in Houston, TX, before marrying Arlia Faye and worked at Rushing Estes Knowles Funeral Home. Before their marriage, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, serving for six years. In November 1964, Warren began working at First State Bank of Uvalde, starting as a teller and rising through the ranks to Vice President in Operations. He dedicated 52 years to the bank, becoming its longest-serving employee. Warren was beloved by all, known for his kindness and generosity, especially with children who would visit his office for candy, first receiving Saf-T Pops and later M&M’s.A man of deep faith, Warren served as a Deacon and children's Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church for many years. He was a member of the Uvalde Kiwanis Club and served alongside Arlia Faye as Treasurer of the Uvalde County Junior Livestock Show. Warren also supported his children in showing animals at the Stock Show, including lambs, angora goats, and swine.Warren was known for his love of children and his special ability to soothe babies, earning him the nickname "the baby whisperer." He could always get a baby to fall asleep with a gentle pat on the bottom and a soft song or hum, and he delighted in making them giggle and laugh.

Warren is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Dora Mae Neill, in-laws Art and Mary Elizabeth Welch, daughter Pamela Faye Neill, sisters Margie Misthos and husband Andy and Joyce Weir and husband Bob, brothers Melvin Neill and wife Shirley and Don Neill and wife Mary Jo, nephew Ricky Neill, Waylon Murphy, Brandon Denk, great-nephew Lance Neill, niece Andrea. He was also preceded in death by several in-laws, brother in law Art “Tinker” Welch, Toppy Causey and George Rife, sister in law Shirline Patterson and husband Charles and Geraldine Welch. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Arlia Faye Neill; his children, Travis Lee Neill and wife Becky of Bandera, and Nicole Faye Ogburn and husband Everett of Uvalde; his grandchildren, Shannon Decena and husband Roman of Tomball, Darby Holt and husband Madison of Spring, Trinity and Faith Ogburn of Uvalde; and his great-grandchildren, Roman Decena III of Tomball, Mabel Lily Holt of Spring, and soon-to-arrive Neill Edan Holt of Spring. He is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Rushing Estes Knowles in Uvalde on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 2-8 pm.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Uvalde on September 7, 2024, at 11:00 am, with Jerry Scott officiating. 

Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Uvalde.

Pallbearers will be Madison Holt, Everett Ogburn, Carlos Welch, Robby Neill, Danny Neill, and Roman Decena II, and Roman Decena III. Honorary Pallbearers are the Uvalde High School Class of ‘57. 

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Uvalde or a charity of your choice in his name. The family would like to thank Waterside Nursing and Rehabilitation in Kerrville, TX, for their care of Warren, and Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville, TX, for the compassionate care they provided in his final moments.