Clark Edward McNeal II from Branson, Missouri, passed away Monday 9 November 2020 in Springfield, Missouri. Born April 8, 1942, in Belmond, Iowa, Clark was 78 at the time of his death.

Clark was the first of five children, born April 8, 1942, to Dorothy and Clark H. McNeal in Belmond, Iowa. He was a tall, handsome child who often had a crafty joke and a bright smile. After finishing high school in Belmond, Clark earned his BA from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon and his JD from the University of Iowa in 1967. Clark practiced law in Iowa Falls, Iowa, at the offices of Barker, McNeal, Wiese & Holt from 1967 until his retirement. From 1991 to 1995, Clark served as the state representative for Hardin County.

Clark settled in Iowa Falls, 50 miles from his boyhood home. It was here his daughters were born and he joined a legal practice. In addition to his work, Clark was active in his church, singing in the choir and serving as a trustee. Trips to Belmond were frequent where he and the extended family would gather to play with the kids and gather around Dorothy's table. Clark would play piano and sing hymns while the family played games. Each December, Clark would return to Mount Vernon, Iowa, to blend his booming bass voice into the choir that performed Handel's Messiah.   

Upon retiring Clark relocated to Branson where he reunited with his sister and her family. It was his great delight to spend more time playing the piano. It was this ability that made up the soundtrack of many McNeal memories, the sound of the piano often filled every corner of the house. Clark also used retirement to explore new hobbies like going on cruises, perfecting all types of pies, attending services at church, debating theology with fellow churchgoers, and feeding the deer in his backyard. He spent many hours with the animals he shared with his partner Connie in their Branson home.

Clark enjoyed the company of all people but seemed especially enchanted by the young children in his life. He enjoyed listening to the stories they told him and being an attentive adult in their lives. He would follow any conversation where children took him -- into long discussions about Paw Patrol, learning to diaper a new doll, or just sitting on the sidewalk to study ladybugs. He was active and engaged until his passing.

He is survived by his two daughters: Liz (Dan) Stigall and Kathryn (Rick) Dahlstrom; four siblings: David (Judy) McNeal, Kristen (Greg) Armstrong, Ty (Roberta) McNeal, and Sherm (Alison) McNeal; and three granddaughters: Madeleine Stigall (14), Emily Dahlstrom (11) and Lauren Dahlstrom (8).  

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.