Neil Willard Drinkwalter
Neil Willard Drinkwalter passed away in the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System Wednesday evening on November 20, 2019. He was 68 years of age and was a longtime Billings resident with his wife, Jean.
Neil was born on November 30, 1950 in Nebraska to parents Willard and Leta Drinkwalter. After living in Lusk and Casper, WY, he moved to Billings, MT with his family in 1960. He was a student athlete and 1969 graduate of Billings Senior High School. He was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church. He was a sonar technician in the US Navy from 1970 to 1977, serving in every ocean on fleet frigates USS Badger and USS Joseph P. Hewes, achieving the rank of First-Class Petty Officer. Neil worked with his father and brothers and helped operate W. R. Drinkwalter and Sons Trucking Inc.
He married Jean Thompson on February 14, 1981 and they raised their children in Billings. He was a devoted family man and a model father and husband.
Neil will be missed by many and will be remembered for his loyalty, workmanship, kindness, and generosity. He was a friend to all.
He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Judy; and his nephew, Seth.
Neil is survived by: his wife, Jean; his mother, Leta; his brothers, Robert, Jerry, Bruce, and Gale; sons, Max (Kathy) and their sons, Ryan (Marcia) and their children, Kenneth Morris (Stacy) and their children, Jacob Morris and his children; and daughter, Patty (Michael) Reynard and their children.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com
