Tom L. Neel, age 53, born in Freeport, Texas, on March 1, 1951, lost his battle with esophageal cancer on May 25, 2004.

He is survived by his wife, Becky; daughters, Beth Neel of Belleville, Illinois, and Cindy Neel of Carrollton; son, Thomas Neel of Carrollton; parents, Tommy and Molly Neel of Lake Jackson; brothers, Robert and his wife, Marcia Neel, of Vista, California, Richard and his wife, Marisa Neel, and Michael and his wife, Rhonda Neel of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; sister, Suan and her husband, John Wilson, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; brother, Duane and his wife, Melani Neel of New Braunfels; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from Brazosport High School in '69, Texas A&M University in '73, and Southwestern Medical School in '76. He married Becky Patton in 1976 and has been an OB-GYN in Lewisville and Carrollton, Texas, since the 1980s. He was well-respected and admired and helped many children come into the world. Tom was a member of Denton County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Visitation was held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2004, at Sparkman/Dickey Funeral Home in Dallas, TX. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2004, at the Reformed Church in Plano, 5333 Independence Parkway, Plano, Texas.