Neil L. Grape

On May 10,1937 Neil L. Grape was born to Leon and Merlyn Bunday Grape in Brookings, South Dakota and went to be with Jesus on April 2, 2024, in Odessa, Texas.  Neil married Jo Ann Mobley on July 11, 1975, and they spent 48 wonderful years of marriage together.  

Neil took great interest in education at an early age and graduated as Valedictorian of his class in 1955 at Brookings High School.   He continued his education at Yale University and graduated with honors in 1959 with a B.A. in Economics.

Upon graduation from Yale, Neil began his 25-year banking career.  In 1962-63, Neil’s career was temporarily put on hold when he was activated in the Military by President John F. Kennedy.  He served in the Texas Army National Guard as First Lieutenant and was awarded the Federal Service Medal.  After his Military service, Neil resumed his career in banking and spent many years as a C.P.A. before retiring.

Neil was active in many community organizations including the Rotary Club, Odessa College and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.  As a devout Christian, he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons at First Presbyterian Church and since 2000 has been a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Odessa and the Adult 11 Sunday School Class.

At the young age of 8, Neil started playing golf.  At the age of 19, he tied the course record at Brookings Country Club and at age 20 he was the Club Champion.  Neil was a member of Odessa Country Club for 53 years and recorded four holes-in-one at several different courses.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Grape; son, Mark Mobley (Belinda), Jeff Townsend (Holly); grandchildren, Megan Covalt (Nate), Daniel Fuller, Reagan McGinnis, Kellan McGinnis, Bailey Townsend; great-grandchildren, A.J. Covalt, Charley Fuller.  

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at the Courtyards Memory Care, especially Candy and Stella for their loving care and support.              

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:00AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association West Texas Chapter or First Odessa Christian Academy at 407 N. Lee, Odessa, TX  79761.