Robert Lewis McNeil

Robert Lewis McNeil, Sr., 68, of Dowagiac, passed away at his home on Monday, August 24, 2015 surrounded by his family.    A Gathering of family and friends will be held at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac, Michigan on Friday, August 28, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M with a time of sharing to be held at 7:00 P.M.  Memorial donations may be made to the family in care of his wife, Tracy McNeil.  Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Robert online may do so at www.clarkch.com.   Robert was born May 4, 1947 in Benton Harbor, MI to Ralph and Mary (Perkins) McNeil.  On May 2, 1992 he married the former Tracy Davis at the Lions Club in Dowagiac.  Robert worked at Sundstrand for 27 years.  He then began working construction on bridges and dams; he loved working on the Berrien Springs dam. He spent much of his free time fishing the St. Joseph River at the very same dam.  Bob loved to fish and hunt and he taught his children the appreciation of wildlife which they enjoyed. His children recall some of their greatest memories were camping on Fisherman’s Island, now known as Pardee Island in Berrien Springs. Bob was a former member of the Dowagiac Lions Club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Bob loved to give his friends and family a hard time, if he didn’t harass you it meant he didn’t like you. His greatest joy was his family. He loved making treasures for them which often included hand tied fishing flies. His passing leaves an ache in the hearts of those who loved him.   Robert is survived by his wife, Tracy, his 5 daughters; Sandra (Hayden) Collins of Georgia, Dolly Jarmen of Niles, Angel McNeil of Niles, Jessica McNeil of Niles and Margie (Shawn) Ridenour of Kalamazoo, his 8 sons; Michael Lovell of Texas, Wayne McNeil of Elkhart,  James Jarmen of Niles,  Ron Sharp of Lansing, Robert (Erin) McNeil, Jr. of Mishawaka, David (Juanita) Davis of Tennessee, Alex (Pam) Sharp of Edwardsburg and Timothy Davis of Three Rivers, 40 plus grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter on the way. He also leaves behind 3 sisters; Jody Payne and Darlene Morris of Dowagiac and Mary Moheart of Niles and 2 brothers; James McNeil of Dowagiac and Ricky McNeil of Florida. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his adopted parents Raymond and Gertrude Burns.