Neil Drinkwalter
November 30, 1950 - November 20, 2019
Obituary
Neil Willard Drinkwalter passed away in the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System Wednesday evening on November 20, 2019. He was 68 years of age and was a longtime Billings resident with his wife, Jean. Neil was born on November 30, 1950 in Nebraska to parents Willard and Leta Drinkwalter. After living in Lusk and Casper, WY, he moved to Billings, MT with his family in 1960. He was a student athlete and 1969 graduate of Billings Senior High School. He was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church. He was a sonar technician in the US Navy from 1970 to 1977, serving in every ocean on fleet frigates USS Badger and USS Joseph P. Hewes, achieving the rank of First-Class Petty Officer. Neil worked with his father and brothers and helped operate W. R. Drinkwalter and Sons Trucking Inc. He married Jean Thompson on February 14, 1981 and they raised their children in Billings. He was a devoted family man and a model father and husband. Neil will be missed by many and will be remembered for his loyalty, workmanship, kindness, and generosity. He was a friend to all. He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Judy; and his nephew, Seth. Neil is survived by: his wife, Jean; his mother, Leta; his brothers, Robert, Jerry, Bruce, and Gale; sons, Max (Kathy) and their sons, Ryan (Marcia) and their children, Kenneth Morris (Stacy) and their children, Jacob Morris and his children; and daughter, Patty (Michael) Reynard and their children. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Dahl Funeral Chapel.
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Memories
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Lynn Ahrens
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So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. My condolences to all of his family. I met Neil when we were both incoming freshmen on the EMC football team in 1969. I taught school in Sunburst and worked part-time and later full time at the Sweetgrass Port of Entry. I would recognize the name on the truck and was able to have a chat with him. It was always great to see him. Lynn Ahrens
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Vicki Hylland
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I only met Neil when he started bringing his mom and dad to the Salon 360 to get Letas hair done every week Faithfully! He was the kindest generous man I can say I’ve met in a long time! He tolerated a lot but just kept on giving in his slow steady pace! Always put on a smile and kept going! God has a special place for people like you Neil-rest in peace.......you were a wonderful person! You won’t be forgotten! Vicki Hylland. Salon 360
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Jack C. Vannoy
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Dear Leta, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Jack & Phyllis Vannoy
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DAN TOTTEN
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I have been working for Drinkwalter & Son's since 1997 and had the privilege of working with Neil delivering chipping oil to him and hauling hot oil to many jobs with him. He always had a smile on his face and a distinctive laugh that always cheered me up when I saw him. I have many good stories to tell, but the list is long there wouldn't be enough room for me to get it all in. My heart goes out to Leta, Neil's family, And all the brother's. My prayers are with you all.
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Arville Lammers
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Dear Jean and family, We extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies and warm thoughts. We so enjoyed meeting up with and visiting with you and Neil at our reunions and running into you in unexpected places. I so enjoyed our conversations on so many subjects. We will always remember him as the friendly, kind, caring person that he was. The last time I called him for advice we had a great visit and if he had health issues at that time he never mentioned them to me so I was shocked to find his obit in the paper. Our wish is that our thoughts and prayers will help ease your burden even just a little. Arville and Elaine Lammers
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Jason Herman
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Jean and family so sorry to hear of Neil's passing you are in my thoughts and prayers.