Neal Arden Thrasher

Neal A. Thrasher, 80, peacefully passed away on May 8, 2026. Born and raised in Arizona, Neal attended school there before joining the United States Navy in 1964, serving as a Radioman in communications. While stationed in Cheltenham, Maryland, he met the love of his life, Joyce Christy as they both served in the US Navy. The two were married on April 23 of 1971 and shared a devoted marriage filled with love, family, and service. Neal often shared the story of his brother, John D. Thrasher, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Both brothers were stationed in Vietnam at the same time, and Neal was granted special permission to meet John in Da Nang. Tragically, John never arrived, and Neal later learned that his beloved brother had been killed in action. Neal carried his brother's memory with him throughout his life.

After proudly serving his country for 20 years, Neal retired from the Navy in 1984 while living in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He then moved his family to a farm in Chelsea, Oklahoma. Although the family had been city folks, Neal embraced country life wholeheartedly. Using the GI Bill, he attended Rogers State College, earning an A.S. degree in Horse Management so he could better learn the ways of farm life.

Neal later began a second career at the Veterans Center in Claremore, Oklahoma, where he dedicated another 20 years serving fellow veterans before retiring once again. Both he and his wife retied from the state of Oklahoma Veteran Center in 2008.Known for his kind and gentle spirit, Neal had a special place in his heart for animals, especially those abandoned or left behind in the country. At one point, the family farm grew to 14 dogs and 5 cats and four horses, because Neal simply could not turn away an animal in need of love and care.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents Neal F and Doris Rose Bush and has two surviving sisters, Bonita and Sheila of Arizona. Neal is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his daughters, Paula Scott and husband Doug, and Angela Thrasher; along with many family members and friends who will cherish his memory. He will be interred in Arizona beside his beloved brother, John D. Thrasher, for his final resting place. Neal will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his devotion to his family, his compassion for animals, and the quiet strength and kindness he showed throughout his life.