David G McNeely

David G McNeely, 81, of Fishers (formerly of Trafalgar) passed away peacefully at Community North Hospital on Thursday, October 27, 2022.  He fought a valiant nine-month battle against devastating health issues after an attack of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in January of this year.  He was a beloved and admired husband, father, grandfather, brother, favorite uncle, and friend who was nicknamed “The Warrior”, “The Beast”, and “The Miracle Man” for never giving up and never complaining about his challenges. 

He was born February 12, 1941 (Abe Lincoln’s birthday) in a log cabin on the family farm in Trafalgar to Maurice and Virginia (Naile) McNeely. 

He is survived by his wife Paula, sons David McNeely II (Jennifer) of Noblesville, Zach Davis of Carmel, daughter Christie Cummings Slack (Rick) of Savannah, GA, grandchildren Connor and Erin McNeely, sister Mary Jane Rose (Jerry), sisters-in-law Diane Poole and Carla Turner, nieces Leah Roberts (Adam), Darcy Randall (Matt), Beverly Poole, Katie Cramer (Dustin), and Emily Woolley (Donavon),  great-nieces Brianna Carmichael, Nora Woolley, great-nephews Brayden Johnson, Cooper Combs, David Randall, Jackson, Zach, and Justin Cramer and many “honorary” nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Paul David, and brothers-in-law David and Paul Poole.

Like his father, he loved the land and did some farming on the side in his early years.  Following in his grandfather’s footsteps he was a carpenter by-trade having worked on several buildings in Indianapolis including the building of Ayres at Glendale and Lafayette Square, Eli Lilly, and many others.  He also helped restore a log cabin for the Johnson County Museum.  He built his own first home and remodeled many others over the years.

David was a member of Trafalgar Christian Church, Nineveh Masonic Lodge, and the Scottish Rite.  He served as the original Co-Chairman of Top Notch Association representing all sectors of Indiana’s Union Construction Industry.  He was the business agent for Carpenters Local Union 758 for 17 years before becoming the Director of Apprenticeship and Training for the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters for 18 years before retiring in 2004.  While in that position he facilitated a program with IVY Tech in which the students in the apprenticeship program attended classes as part of their curriculum allowing them to graduate from the 4-year apprenticeship program with an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management.  He spent many nights tutoring students after having driven to both ends of the state during the day in his regular schedule.  He also traveled all over the country doing training for the International office of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

He was a member of the Central Indiana Woodworkers where he loved building toys for disadvantaged children.  He was instrumental in increasing the production of toys to over 10,000 per year for the club to distribute at Christmas.  Toy building became his passion after retiring and he was so proud of the new state-of-the-art shop he recently built where he spent some of his happiest days. 

He enjoyed traveling, fishing, driving tractors, eating (the spicier the better), teasing the kids, but mostly just enjoyed everyday life.  He was a master craftsman who was known for his precision and quality work.  He was one Santa’s tallest elves as he made thousands of wooden toys for children here at home and to send with missionaries to other countries.  He will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, and one-liners such as “Off like a herd of turtles”, “Are you writing a book? Leave that chapter out” but mostly for his love of life and making people happy. 

We count our blessings and cherish our memories as we know this world was made a better place because David George McNeely was in it. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 5, at 4 p.m. at Fishers United Methodist Church, 9691 East 116^th Street, Fishers, Indiana with a reception/dinner following at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Central Indiana Woodworkers, c/o Roger Poer, 7529 West 200 South, New Palestine, IN 46163.