Maurice James McNeilly,88, son of James Robert and Gladys Emily (Smith) McNeilly, was born at Center Junction, Jones County, Iowa on March 8, 1918. He passed away at Gardenview Care Center in Shenandoah early Thursday morning August 31, 2006. He grew up in the Center Junction area attending school there. He graduated from Center Junction High School in 1936. He attended Lenox College receiving his Associate's Degree in 1938. Maurice attended Iowa State University at Ames, Iowa, until 1940. From 1938-1940 he worked for McNeilly Hybrid Seed Corn Company owned by his father of Center Junction, Iowa. Maurice worked for and later was Vice President of United Hybrid Growers Association of Shenandoah, Iowa, from 1940-1952. Later he worked for United Hagie Hybrids in Shenandoah. From 1954-1998 he was owner of M. J. McNeilly Seed Company. And in 1956, co-owner with his brother John in McNeilly Steel Buildings. He retired on November 11, 1998. In 1942 Maurice was married to Wilma Maureen "Billie" Cisney in Omaha, Nebraska. On September 23, 1967 Maurice was united in marriage to Mary Ford Long in Shenandoah, Iowa. Maurice was known for his conservation work and his love for growing things. He enjoyed flying having his private pilots license in the 40's and 50's. His other enjoyments were fishing, hunting, gardening and working in the orchard. Maurice was involved in his community as a member of the Elks Lodge (serving as a board member); former Rotary and Kiwanis member and also a member of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister Jean Balster, a brother, John N. McNeilly and first wife "Billie" Oakley. Survivors include his wife Mary of Shenandoah, IA; son, John McNeilly and wife Diana of Nebraska City, NE; daughters, Marcia Anderson and husband Ed of Indianola, IA, Donna Roberts and husband Ron of Oelwein, IA, Roberta Long of Gretna, NE, Carol Westcott and husband Wes of Springfield, MO; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Buck and husband D. Homer of Durham, NC; along with a host of other relatives and many friends.
Celebration of life funeral services were held on Saturday, September 2, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Jim Gubser. Special music was performed by the duet of Justin and Heather Martin. Attending the memory register were Betty Morgan and Lois Pease. Casket bearers were Derry Wolford, Brian Hart, Tyler Landen, Don Gee, Rick Taubenberger and Roger VanBuskirk. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials are being directed to the Maurice McNeilly Memorial for various conservation activities. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.