John Robert "Bob" Neely, age 82 of Springfield, MO passed away on September 21, 2011 in Cox South Hospital. He was born on April 11, 1929 to E.E. and Lila Neely. Bob married Kathryn Dunn on June 10, 1950. He was a graduate of Greenwood and Missouri School of Mines. He earned his Masters at UCLA, where he did research on guided missiles. The highlight of his career was working with Werner Von Braun. He returned to Springfield to work for City Utilities. He also worked for Harry Cooper Supply Company and retired from Southwest Power Administration. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served in many capacities. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. He is survived by his wife Kathryn Neely of Springfield; daughters, Linda Evans of Olathe, KS, Julie (Steve) Rich, and Nancy (Larry) Zahn all of Springfield; granddaughters, Sara (Mike) Heptig of Lawrence, KS, Amy and Emily Rich; grandsons, Matthew and Jacob Zahn all of Springfield; brother-in-law, Jack (Carol) Dunn; sister-in-law, Harriet Neely all of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24 in Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Bill Marler officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn cemetery. No visitation is scheduled; however friends may call after 4 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Ministry, 1415 S. Holland, Springfield, MO 65807. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and proud grandpa. He will be dearly missed.