Kelly J. Neighbors

February 22, 1959 - February 20, 2016

Kelly J. Neighbors, formerly of Eureka, died on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the home of his son, in Iola, at the age of 56. He was born on February 22, 1959, in Salina, the son of SSgt. Nathaniel and Billie (Raber) Neighbors. He was raised in Eureka, and graduated from Eureka High School with the Class of 1977. In 1978, he was united in marriage to Carla Jean Hill in Eureka. To this union, two children, Kristy and John, were born. Kelly served on the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Captain for over ten years. In 1998, Kelly was united in marriage to Melissa “Missy” Burtin in Eureka. To this union, two children, Paige and Lane, were born. Kelly later worked at the El Dorado Correctional Facility and the Frontier El Dorado Refining Company, and later as a Reserve Deputy for the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Department. In 2009, Kelly was united in marriage to Julie Eskew in Eureka. Kelly lived in Eureka for the majority of his life, until his health forced him to move. He is survived by four children, daughter, Kristy Neighbors-Shoemaker of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; son, John Neighbors of Iola; daughter, Paige Neighbors of Eureka; and son, Lane Neighbors of Eureka; five grandchildren, Katrina Strouth, and Kolyn and Lennon Shoemaker of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Garrett and Leslie Neighbors of Iola; two brothers, Kasey Neighbors of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Korey Neighbors of Allen; two nephews, Kody Neighbors of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Kolt Neighbors of Americus; and one niece, Sara Isaacs of Jackson, Missouri; daughter-in-law and caretaker, Heather McCullough; and most beloved of all, his dog, Peachy Marie of Iola. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Kody Neighbors; and one nephew, Eric Neighbors. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Koup Family Funeral Home, in Eureka with Mr. Jayme A. Koup officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation hours are set from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the funeral fund. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is in charge of service arrangements.