H. Wayne "Boodler" Neal, passed away, very peacefully, in his sleep, at his home in Morris, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family on May 12, 2021, at the age of 92. Wayne was born on December 26, 1928, in Onarga, Illinois, to Harry V. Neal and Rose (Colebank) Neal. Wayne attended grade school in Onarga, Illinois, until his family moved to Wilmington, Illinois where he graduated from Wilmington High School. Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy, entering into active duty on January 28, 1946. He served primarily on the Destroyer, USS John Hood and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on January 9, 1948, with the rank of Seaman First Class. He was proud to be further honored for his service, in his late 80's, when he was selected to participate in the Honor Flight for veterans of WW II.

After returning stateside, he became employed at the Joliet Arsenal as Production Line Foreman for two years. He accepted a Foreman's position with U.S. Rubber (Uniroyal) and progressed to Assistant Plant Superintendent for Traffic Management. He received his degree in Traffic Management from Military Traffic Management Services in Virginia.

While still in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Rosemary Ronchetti, of Coal City, Illinois, and they were married on November 26, 1950. When he was recently asked by his granddaughter, Erica, "When did you know you were in love with Grandma?" Wayne smiled and said, "Thirty seconds after I met her." Wayne and Rose Neal had two children, David Neal of Morris, Illinois, and Mark Neal of Malibu, California.

In addition to their two children, Wayne and Rosemary, had hundreds of "bonus kids" who worked at the restaurant they built together in Coal City, Illinois, in 1971. Wayne "Boodler" Neal and his wife, Rose, operated "Boodler's Place-Coal City's Favorite Eating Place" for 25 years until retiring in 1996. Even now, they are remembered for Boodler's Pizza Burgers, the sandwich they invented. Though he was working two full-time jobs, Wayne Neal made time to serve his community of Coal City as a two-term elected Board Member of the Coal City Consolidated School District.

Rosemary and Wayne lived their entire married life (47 years) in Coal City, Illinois, until Rosemary died in 1997, after a long battle with ovarian cancer. Wayne was with her every step of this difficult journey as a full-time caregiver. Wayne was also preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Rose Neal, his daughter in law, Delia "DeDe" Neal, his three sisters, Eileen Nelson, Agnes Porterfield, and Wilma O'Hare, and his dog, Scooter.

Wayne Neal is survived by his sons, Dave (Laura) Neal and Mark Neal, and his two grandchildren, Michael Neal, of Morris, Illinois, and Erica Neal, of Plainfield, Illinois. He recently said that Michael and Erica were his best friends, from the time when they were toddlers when he named them his "Diamonds", to the last few years when they selflessly gave so much of themselves as his constant caregivers. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, and his perfect dog, Skippy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or your local non-profit Hospice program.

Funeral arrangements are through Ferrari Funeral Services in Coal City, Illinois. In according with his wishes a private funeral, with full military honors, will be held, followed by interment at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where he will once again be next to his wife for the final part of their eternal journey.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com