Neal Alan Compton of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 7, 2017.  Neal was born February 16, 1932 in Endicott, New York to Helen Mae (Werley) and Jay Eugene Compton.  He was raised with his brother’s Bruce, Dane, Erle and sister Gail.

Neal graduated from the University of Michigan and received his Physical Therapy degree from University of Iowa.  His academic studies were interrupted by the Korean conflict in the 1950’s.  He left to serve in the United States Army, stationed in Germany.  Following graduation from Iowa and marriage to LaDene, his wife of 55 years, Neal’s lifelong passions were serving his family, his friends and neighbors, and the many patients of Dykstra, Libby, Anthrop, and Compton & Associates, patients of St. Mary’s Hospital, Hope Network, and Community Caregivers. 

Throughout Neal’s life, he contributed to his family and community, whether it was creating costumes for Halloween, Christmas pageants, or dance recitals, constructing scenery, or building tree-houses for the neighborhood.  Neal was always thinking of something.

He was a self-taught artist and poet.  “Draw 4 dots on this paper,” he would say and then, gleefully connect the dots and create a picture before your very eyes. Neal also carved animals, with a hidden puzzle inside.  He wrote many, many poems about everything he observed in life, always eager to share one from memory.

He is survived by his devoted wife, B. LaDene Compton; brother’s Bruce (Ellen) and Dane (Carolyn) Compton, sister Gail (Lloyd) Schmidt, and sister-in-law Doris Compton; along with 3 children Annette (Scott) Wheeler, Maureen (Jon) Kamp, Cynthia Simpson; 8 grandchildren Nicole (Tom) Kret, Steve (LeAnn) Wheeler, Jessica (Alex) Welch; Joshua, Jackie, and Christopher (Kamp); Crystal Vanderlaan and Jacob Damron and 2 great-grandchildren Haley and Nora Kret.

Neal faithfully attended St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, in Grand Rapids. He sang in the choir and freely volunteered his services to help out wherever needed.  Neal had a ready smile, was a friend to all, and will be greatly missed.

The Memorial Service will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church at 3215 4 Mile Rd. NE,      Grand Rapids, MI 49525 on Friday, December 15, 2017.  Visitation will be from 9:30 – 11:00am, with the service beginning at 11:00am.  A luncheon will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.