Neal Ray Hart

Neal Ray Hart of Fordland, Missouri passed away on Saturday August 19, 2023 at the age of 67. Neal was born on November 25, 1955 to Leonard and Erma Hart in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

A few years after his birth, Neal moved with his family to the Los Angeles area of Southern California where he grew up. He graduated from Reseda High School in 1973 where he played three years of baseball. Soon after his graduation, Neal served a two year mission in South Carolina for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Following his mission, Neal returned home to California where he met his wife of nearly 45 years, Stacy Leavitt. The two were married as eternal companions on September 13, 1978 in Los Angeles, CA. 

In 1979, Neal joined his older brother Rick in starting a small scale construction company. For the next decade the two (along with others) built and renovated homes across the region. As the company grew, the two decided to start taking on commercial work and began traveling from state to state remodeling hotels. 

The success of the company played an influential role in bringing Neal to the Ozarks. He eventually settled down outside of town in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Neal enjoyed working with his hands and continued to work in construction until the very end. 

Neal had a love of sports that he passed down to his five children. When he wasn’t working he could often be found in front of a TV watching a baseball game or playing the infield in a slow pitch softball league. 

Neal also had a deep love for God and served him dutifully until the day he died. He was called to serve in various local church leadership roles for several years and was a thoughtful teacher and mentor to those he was able to minister to and serve with. 

Neal was a caring son, brother, husband and father. He will be remembered for the love and affection that he showed to those around him. He was the rock of his family and he will truly be missed by those who he leaves behind. 

Neal is survived by his wife Stacy; his 5 children, Nathan (Amy) Hart, Amber (Jason) Tracy, Todd (Terriann) Hart, Michael (Brie) Hart, Joseph Hart; and 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by his 3 siblings, Linda (Bob) Kraude, Rick (Laura) Hart, and Lynn (Dave) Schmidt; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Private family services will be under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Fordland Care to Learn and left in care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO 65706.