Lawrence Deslies Neale

Services: A Funeral Service will be held in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, March 22 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Brian Shepard officiating. Interment will follow in Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. Visitation: Public Viewing will be held in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 22 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. Lawrence Deslies Neale, 57, of Easton, MD died March 13, 2005 in Easton, MD. Our heavenly father dispatched an angel to one of his chosen vessels to let him know his assignment on earth had been fulfilled and completed. The angel's order was to accompany Lawrence Desales Neale on his flight from his earthly home to come and be with the lord in heaven. Born December 27, 1947 in Bushwood, MD he was the son of the late Nellie Gertrude Curtis Neale and Clarance Thomas Neale, Jr. of Maddox, MD. Lawrence attended public schools in St. Mary's and Charles Counties. He started his career when he drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He served 12 years in the United State Army including two tours of duty in Vietnam, May 29, 1967 thru May 22, 1968 and April 11, 1971 thru January 14, 1972. In addition, he served two tours of duty in Bamberg, Germany. He was awarded the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (Vietnam), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksman (M16 & M14) Medal and the Vietnam Cross Gallantry Medal. He was most recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor. Following his service in the military he worked for the Veteran's Affairs Administration retiring in 1995, and moved to Eastern Maryland where he resided until his death. Lawrence leaves to morn his passing his beloved wife Diane Neale; daughter: Karen Neale-Absher; two grandchildren: Sarah and Nicholas Absher; two step-sons: Francis Neale and Greg Sampson; one son-in-law: Billy Absher; four sisters; Ruth Somerville, Gertrude "Veronica" Scriber, Helen Hebb and Theresa Collins; two brothers: George Curtis and Christopher Neale; seven brothers-in-law: James LaVaughn Collins, Jr., Joseph Spencer Scriber, Sr., George Somerville, Sr., William Hebb, Rodney Sampson, Donald and James Green; three sisters in-law: Norma Neale, Coletha and Rosland Green. Lawrence was preceded in death by his brothers: William "Willie" Neale, Clearance Neale, III and John Francis Neale. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his devoted cat "Maxine". The family of Lawrence wishes to genuinely express our heartfelt thanks for the many kind and beautiful expressions of sympathy and love shown during our hours of bereavement. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 22 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home from 9:00 â?? 10:00 AM where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM with Pastor Brian Shepherd officiating. Interment will follow in Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. Pallbearers will be Charles Carter, Sr., Robert Carter, Roy Chesley, Derrick Hopkins, Windell Price and George Somerville, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Channelle Bulter, Kavan Small, SoTanya Rushing, Christina Bulter, Yvostay Rushing, Keesha Chime, Tammy Jones, Kim Delk, Walter "CJ" Jones, Christina Butler, James Collins, III, Renee Carter-Price, Dontay Chesley, Kerrin Small, Cimonia Bell, Charles Carter, Jr., Cyrus Carter, Nicole Russell, Channelle Bulter, Christina Neale, Cimonia Bell, Roy Chesley, James Windell Price, Jr. and James "Jamie" Carter.